Operational Alerts

UPDATED: 23/06/2023

On Monday 26th June 21:00 until approximately 02:00 Tuesday 27th June morning, we will be implementing an upgrade to our IT systems in our Ascentis freight facility.

IT implementation will begin Monday 26th June at 19:00 when we will stop processing drivers for Ascentis. During this time our systems will be unavailable. There will be no ability to make collections or deliveries during this period so you may wish to re-arrange for a different time.

Systems are expected to be running again by 02:00 Tuesday 27th June.

Once the systems are back up and running there will be no change to driver processes. All drivers are to continue to report to Reception as normal from where they will be processed as usual.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

UPDATED: 15/06/2023

Effective 15th June 2023 to 15th September 2023

Exports from the USA and Canada

These stations will take hold-5 and palletised shipments:

LAX / SFO / SEA / SAN / JFK / BOS / BWI / TPA / MCO / YVR / YYZ / YUL / EWR / SJC

These stations will take hold-5 only:

IAH / CVG / IAD / ATL / MIA / DEN / PIT / BNA / PHL / ORD

Complete embargo:

PHX / LAS / DFW / AUS / PDX / MSY

Imports to the USA and Canada

These stations will take hold-5 and palletised shipments:

LAX / SFO / SEA / SAN / JFK / BOS / BWI / TPA / MCO / YVR / YYZ / YUL / EWR / SJC

These stations will take hold-5 only:

IAH / CVG / IAD / ATL / MIA / DEN / PIT / BNA / PHL / ORD / PHX / LAS / DFW / AUS / PDX / MSY

UPDATED: 11/05/2023

On Monday 15th May at 22:00 until 02:00 Tuesday 16th May morning, we will be implementing a major upgrade to our IT systems in our Ascentis freight facility.

IT implementation will begin Monday 15th May at 22:00 which is expected to take several hours. During this time our systems will be unavailable. There will be no ability to make collections or deliveries during this period so you may wish to re-arrange for a different time.

Systems are expected to be running again by 02:00 Tuesday 16th May.

Once the systems are back up and running there will be no change to driver processes. All drivers are to continue to report to Reception as normal from where they will be processed as usual.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

UPDATED: 23/03/2023

In order to correctly plan and move cargo as booked IAG Cargo requires accurate freight measurements and declarations. Any freight bookings made on any IAG Cargo flights that do not allow the Ground Handler to stack on top of the freight, must have the Non-Stackable (NST) element declared at the time of booking. Checks are in place for freight originating across our network. Any undeclared Non-Stackable (NST) will be subject to an additional handling charge of USD $300.00 or CAD $400.00 and also a CCA amendment fee.

To make a booking online login to your account here.

For any further questions please see this guide on Non-Stackable (NST) freight, or alternatively please speak with your account manager.

UPDATED: 15/03/2023

As part of our commitment to ensuring a seamless customer experience, we would like to remind you of the requirement to include Afghanistan to the compliance statement which currently covers Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria. As a reminder, the carriage of all cargo, courier and mail which has originated from or transferred through these countries is prohibited on the IAG Cargo network to any destination.

You can add the compliance statement either printed on the airway bill, courier baggage voucher or airmail document; or provide a separate letter on your company letterhead that accompanies the shipment.

SAMPLE COMPLIANCE STATEMENT:

I confirm that <Company Name> reviewed all available documentation and has determined that none of the cargo being offered in this consignment or consolidation has originated in, transferred from, or transited through any point in Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, or Somalia.

This declaration is mandatory; noncompliance may result in your shipment not travelling as booked.

If you need additional information or have any questions, please get in touch with your local IAG Cargo office.

UPDATED: 09/03/2023

We at IAG Cargo are constantly looking for ways to digitalise our business and reduce our environmental impact.

In line with this goal, we will be implementing a new policy starting on 03rd April 2023 that will introduce a charge, for Paper Air Waybills/Non eAWB. The fee will be captured and billed via the origin station. The charge will apply to all routes on the IAG Network, including eAWB restricted stations.

Currency and fees as below:

GBP - 10.00

EUR - 12.00

USD - 13.00

This change is part of our ongoing effort to reduce the amount of paper we use in our business and become more sustainable. We believe that this change will encourage our customers to switch to eAWB, which reduces the amount of paper we carry on our aeroplanes.

If you are sending an eAWB you are not required to deliver a traditional paper AWB*. Exceptions apply - please check with your local station if you require a paper AWB.

UPDATED: 20/02/2023

ICS2 Phase 2 comes into force on 1st March 2023, however, the European Commission have provided a deployment window within which air carriers may request a derogation.

IAG Cargo requested and were granted a derogation by Customs until 30th June 2023 for the following IAG group airlines: Aerlingus, British Airways, Iberia and Vueling.

From 1st March 2023 until 30th June 2023 all goods transported into or through the European Union will continue to be reported into ICS1.

Please do not hesitate to contact your account manager if you require any support.

Head over to the official website of the European Union for full details on the new requirements.

You can also watch this video to learn more.

UPDATED: 14/02/2023

In order to correctly plan and move cargo as booked IAG Cargo requires accurate freight measurements and declarations. Any freight bookings made on any IAG Cargo flights that do not allow the Ground Handler to stack on top of the freight, must have the Non-Stackable (NST) element declared at the time of booking. Checks are in place for freight originating in Europe, Africa, Middle East, India and APAC. Any undeclared Non-Stackable (NST) will be subject to an additional handling charge which can be found in our Ground Handling charges and also a CCA amendment fee. This fee will be minimum €300 or $300 based on your country of origin.

To make a booking online login to your account here.

For any further questions please see this guide on Non-Stackable (NST) freight, or alternatively please speak with your account manager.

UPDATED: 03/02/2023

IAG Cargo is pleased to announce that after successful trials and results, we have made the decision to move all LHR Live Animal Imports and Transits to the new Animal Aircare LHR facility located in the “Horseshoe” of the LHR Cargo area with landside access on Sandringham Road.

• Effective February 1st, 2023, all Live Animal collections will be at this new Animal Aircare LHR facility. If you would like your paperwork pre-checked, all non-commercial paperwork can be sent in advance to the above e-mail address, at no additional pre-check charge.

• Taking advantage of paperwork pre-check will help prevent any non-commercial failures.

• Ground handling fees remain the same. UK clearance/APHA and any additional applicable UK arrival fees will be collected locally as is done today.

• There is NO longer any requirement to obtain a “LHR Slot”, so you can just book with our Sales agents, and we will send on the dates requested. We will continue to need your UK clearing agent to provide us with an OK to Forward – no change to current process.

• Exception – Large exotic animals like lions, gorillas, etc., will still go to HARC (Heathrow Animal Reception Center) facility. These must be cleared by Val Hadley before any bookings are made.

• The AAC (Animal Aircare LHR) facility is open 24/7. To view the AAC facility LHR location, click here.

Animal Aircare is located with both landside and airside access. This allows for much quicker delivery times direct from aircraft to the Animal Aircare LHR facility for UK clearance and collection.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Main LHR office number:  +44 (0) 203 968 0980

Mailbox: lhroffice@animalaircare.co.uk

Manager phone: +44 (0) 7399 226 868

Supervisor LHR: +44 (0)7572 655 296

Welfare officer phone: +44 (0) 7572 655 412

Address: Unit 579 Sandringham Rd, Hounslow TW6 3SF

UPDATED: 14/12/2022

New guidelines affecting all inbound shipments into the EU set by the European Union (EU) will come into effect from 1 March 2023.

To support you with this transition, we’ve summarised the new requirements:

Summary of Requirements

The EU Union Customs Code (UCC) requires all businesses transporting goods to or through the EU to provide additional mandatory data. This is required for inbound goods of the MAWB and HAWB if the goods are for import into or through the EU.

Here is a handy checklist:

1. Have you added the EU Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number of the EU Consignee? (This is mandatory. And please note where the goods are transiting the EU and the consignee is not an EU registered entity the International Trader Identification number is to be provided)

2. Have you added the 6 digit Harmonised Shipment (HS) Code at AWB and HAWB level?

3. Have you included the item weight?

4. What type of package is it?

5. What type of person (business, individual, agent)?

6. Have you added a description of Goods? (Please note: Prior to delivery of goods accuracy of description should match the HS code)

These details must be provided by your shippers.

We want to ensure the smooth flow of your goods through our network, so please ensure that these additional mandatory data fields are included in the FWB and FHL messages sent to IAG Cargo, for transmission to EU customs prior to EU arrival.

Please note

All shipments (Import, Freight Remaining On Board (FROB), transit), must still be handed to IAG cargo with their relevant MAWB and HAWB manifest documents, except if e-AWB shipments.

The FWB and FHL messages for all MAWBs and HAWBs must include the required additional data and be transmitted to IAG Cargo before the goods handover.

Failure to provide the above data, may result in your goods receiving an additional profile resulting in referrals or delays in processing your goods at destination.

To ensure the relevant IT systems are aligned with the EU authorities we recommend providing these new data elements by early January 2023. These new data requirements will also facilitate the fulfilment of ICS2 – PreDict data requirements for Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) due by 1 March 2023.

IAG Cargo is unable to capture the manual data and, unfortunately, failure to provide this additional information may delay your goods at the EU airport of entry.

If you do not have EDI capability, we recommend inserting FWB and FHL data manually via your IT portal or Service Provider.

Please do not hesitate to contact your account manager if you require any support.

You can also watch this video to learn more.

UPDATED: 30/11/2022

Please be advised that our Secure cargo facility with be closed from Saturday 3rd December from 06:00hrs until 22:00hrs for essential building maintenance.

IAG would like to take this opportunity to apologies for the inconvenience caused.

UPDATED: 24/11/2022

Please be advised that our Secure cargo facility with be closed from Saturday 26th November at 22:00hrs until 06:00hrs on Monday 28th November for essential building maintenance.

IAG would like to take this opportunity to apologies for the inconvenience caused.

UPDATED: 21/11/2022

Due to essential maintenance required procedures, Ascentis cargo will be closed at the following times for collections & deliveries, Premia will not be affected.

• Security will close gatepost into Ascentis Car park at 18:45hrs

• Customer Data will stop processing loose trucks for collections or deliveries at 19:00hrs

• Customer Data will stop processing intact trucks for collections or deliveries at 19:30hrs

• Customer Data reception will close at 20:00hrs

• Building in full operational mode at 23:59hrs

• Total duration 3 hours

UPDATED: 09/11/2022

Due to tropical storm Nicole, our Orlando/ MCO & Tampa/ TPA cargo facility will be closed on Wednesday 9th November 2022 local time at 12 noon and Thursday 10th November 2022 all day.

UPDATED: 19/10/2022

In order to bring our constant climate booking process in line with IATA standard temperature handling requirements, we will be implementing the mandatory use of COL and CRT to identify temperature ranges.

With immediate effect, any PCT shipment must be booked with an additional handling code identifying its temperature range as detailed below;

+2C to +8C shipments must reflect ‘COL’

+15C to +25C shipments must reflect ‘CRT’

Please do not hesitate to contact your account manager if you require any support.

UPDATED: 14/10/2022

Please note, over the Christmas period, IAG will close the Vault on the 25/26/27 December 2022.

Outside of the dates mentioned it will be business as usual.

UPDATED: 30/09/2022

Effective 10th October 2022, we will be implementing the following changes for Loose AVI at LHR:

• All AVI arriving on site will need to be suitably boxed/crated securely ready for uplift.

• Any agent arriving with AVI not securely crated for transit will be asked to leave, complete crating off site and return when ready for transit.

• Customer/Owner handovers of AVI are no longer permitted to take place on site. This can be done off-site in the local area where there are plenty of safe spaces for this to be done.

• If for any reason the AVI needs to be removed from the crate (e.g. due to soilage) this can be securely undertaken in the designated AVI reception room.

• Under no other circumstance must crated AVI be released whilst on site.

UPDATED: 28/09/2022

Due to the hurricane impact in northern Florida, over the next day or so we will not be able to send any AVI to MCO or TPA stations over this period. Shipments excluding UK & Ireland, due to fly 28-30 September will be re-accommodated.

UPDATED: 20/09/2022

Due to Hurricane Fiona, there are 1.3 million people without power in Puerto Rico. Local authorities expect the return of power to take several days. Due to the loss of power, there are restrictions on the products accepted in and out of SJU.

Effective immediately and until further notice, a full embargo is placed for in and out of SJU of following products:

• CC - ACT/PCT

• DANGEROUS GOODS/HAZMAT Shipments

• AVI

SJU are utilizing generators to provide limited electricity and due to this, we are able to accept all other products in and out of SJU.

UPDATED: 07/09/2022

Please be informed the embargo for AVI currently in place, due to hot weather conditions in ATL, will be lifted from 15 September 2022.

UPDATED: 31/08/2022

IAG are planning a full MHCS Outage on the 31st August for the quarterly IT failover.

Plan as follows:

• G4S to close gatepost into Ascentis Car park at 1845 hrs

• Customer Data will stop processing loose trucks for collections or deliveries at 1900 hrs

• Customer Data will stop processing MTD (INTACT TRUCKS) for collections or deliveries at 1930 hrs

• Customer Data reception will close at 2000 hrs

• Building in full operational mode at 2359 hrs

• Total duration 3 hours

UPDATED: 31/08/2022

As per ULD Logistics it is now necessary for customers to use the same straps on each intact ULD due to a safety instruction.

Cargo straps must be TSO/ ETSO/ CTSO/ JTSO certified, with a minimum ultimate load rating of 2225daN/2270kg, must be serviceable and must have double stud fittings. When using multiple cargo straps on the same ULD all cargo straps must be of the same make/manufacturer/ load rating/stiffness.

Mixed on the same ULD will be rejected.

UPDATED: 22/08/2022

Effective 1st September 2022, IAG Cargo will be implementing a crate compliance update for Live Dogs and Cats to ensure all crates comply with the Live Animal Regulations.

The Crate compliance update consists of all crates must be nose and paw proof, with the mesh openings for Dogs being no more than 25mm, and for Cats no more than 19mm. If any double meshing is added to the crate to ensure it is compliant, this mesh must be made of welded wire mesh and not plastic.

Please note that if the above compliance is not met, then unfortunately, there is the potential the Live Animal will be rejected at reception. Therefore, we would greatly appreciate if you can ensure all the crates you tender have the correct modification required.

For any queries in regard to the above crate compliance, please email: liveanimals.ukisales@iagcargo.com

UPDATED: 03/08/2022

IAG Cargo would like to advise of the following changes to the British Airways Heathrow ITSF location and Agent codes effective from 4th August 2022:

Ascentis ITSF: Shed Code will be BASLHR and Agent code KEI

Premia ITSF: Shed Code BACLHR and Agent Code HBA

UPDATED: 20/07/2022

As part of us improving our service to you, IAG Cargo are undergoing some process changes to ensure that we offer a world class operational performance. As such, our London hub have implemented additional steps in our order acceptance process to ensure that our weight and dimensional checks are more robust. To help comply with this, ensuring that you provide the correct final information for each shipment, accurately weighing and measuring of cargo and declaring details correctly on the Air Waybill (AWB) is paramount. The benefit of having this information is knowing exactly what we need to move, allowing us to better use our capacity, reduce offloads, improve safety and ensure correct invoicing at the first time of asking.

Any differences between what is declared on the Air Waybill (AWB) and our enhanced chargeable weight checks may lead to charges being increased and a Cargo Correction Advice (CCA) fee applied. Whilst we appreciate that the majority of customers are already doing this, we want to ensure that we protect our operational performance and service to you and your customer.

Should you have any questions please contact your account manager, their details can be found here.

UPDATED: 06/06/2022

In order to correctly plan and move cargo as booked IAG Cargo requires accurate freight measurements and declarations. Any freight bookings made on any IAG Cargo flights that do not allow the Ground Handler to stack on top of the freight, must have the Non-Stackable (NST) element declared at the time of booking. Checks are in place for freight originating at LHR. Any undeclared Non-Stackable (NST) will be subject to an additional handling charge which can be found in our Ground Handling charges and also a CCA amendment fee.

To make a booking online login to your account here.

For any further questions please see this guide on Non-Stackable (NST) freight, or alternatively please speak with your account manager.

UPDATED 01/01/2022

We request that upon acceptance of goods destined for Cairo where there is a “Notifying Party” on the Airwaybill (AWB) or House Airwaybill (HAWB), this information is included in the FWB and FHL.

Failure to include the “Notifying Party” information where it is included on the AWB or HAWB will result in goods being off-loaded at the transiting hub, penalties and delays in processing and release at destination.

UPDATED : 20/09/2021

We are currently advising our customers of the changes to GB & EU courier requirements for 2021. These include additional procedural requirements and checks, which will be required to ensure the ENS filing to GB S&S & EU ICS has been undertaken. 

Please view the linked guidance, which outlines the options available to them to continue to ship Courier across our network into the EU & GB. This will apply to all IAG Cargo customers shipping Courier Shipments into the EU & GB from 20th September 2021. Please note that customers are required to comply with these and all other regulations, as it forms part of the Conditions of Contract with IAG Cargo.

You may also find this link to the UK government website, useful.  It allows you to check or validate the EORI numbers (not MRN), which can be used as an additional safety measure.

UPDATED 14/04/2021

With immediate effect and until further notice, IAG Cargo embargo on any type of VIVO shipment containing batteries from all APAC and Middle East origin stations to all destinations.

This embargo applies to any form of shipment booked either directly or indirectly for uplift on IAG Cargo services.

Should you have any questions, please speak with your account manager.

UPDATED 08/03/2021

The General Administration of Customs of the P.R. China (GACC) requirements were slightly amended in 2019 in ‘Decree 144’.

Please click here for more information.

The General Administration of Customs of the P.R. China (GACC) have issued Decree No 56 entering into force on 1st June 2018.

This Decree is imposing additional data requirements for shipments brought by air to China.

Click here for more information.

UPDATED: 04/03/2021

New Drop Station for PIT is now with Forward Air.

Forward Air, 121 Spring Run Road Extension Ste 310, Pittsburg Airport Industrial Park, Pittsburg, PA

Phone: 724-457-9801

Fax: 724-457-9805

Email: FA_PIT@forwardair.com

UPDATED: 13/01/2021

Customers who are submitting messages directly to our H2H portal for FWB’s and FHL’s are reminded that all messages must include a valid ZIP/Post code.

You can use this tool to lookup the required Zip codes: https://worldpostalcode.com/

UPDATED: 22/12/2020

Despite the latest travel restrictions, we continue to operate an extensive air freight network. We also continue to offer customers the opportunity to charter our aircraft. If you have any questions on our schedule, please do not hesitate to contact your account manager.

UPDATED 13/08/2020

From Monday 17th August it will become a condition of entry to wear an appropriate face mask when entering our facility and engaging with our staff, failure to wear an appropriate face covering will mean we will be unable to serve you or allow you access to IAG Cargo. 

UPDATED: 13/11/2020

Customers sending courier into the USA are reminded that compliance with pre-loading reporting in line with the ACAS programme is mandatory and should be sent at least 120 minutes prior to Standard Time of Departure (STD) of flight from origin station.

UPDATED: 01/04/2020

Please be advised from Monday 30th March 2020, perishable collections have moved from WFS (LHR)  to the IAG Cargo Premia handling facility. Documentation and clearance will be managed via Premia Retail.

• Please ensure collection drivers/logistic providers are aware of the change in collection location.

• Driver to report to the control post on the right hand side on entrance to the IAG Cargo Facility

• To avoid congestion, IAG Cargo would request collection vehicles to arrive +90 mins after ATA of the flight.

• If freight and documents have not been processed in +120mins after ATA Premia retail can be contacted on

UPDATED: 19/03/2020

Mail and Courier will only be accepted if the customer has as an agreed allocation or can be accommodated within the allocated mail or courier space. Any shipments outside of these allocations will not be accepted.

For any further information, please speak with your account manager.

UPDATED: 19/03/2020

IAG Cargo continues to move freight around the World. For bookings utilising any of IAG Cargo flights that are above 1,000Kg (2,220lbs) a contractual commitment will be required.

To make a booking online login to your account here.

For any further questions, please speak with your account manager.

UPDATED: 13/03/2020

As a temporary measure any new Prioritise and Critical bookings made from Saturday 14 March 2020 will not be eligible for Performance Guarantee claims.

UPDATED 27/03/2020

IAGCargo would like to remind our customers that it is a requirement to include the consignee Tax identification code on the AWB and in the FWB for the following destinations: Argentina (CUIT), Dominican Republic (RNC), Ecuador, Paraguay & Peru (RUC).  This Tax identification code must be included on the AWB and in the FWB before or when presenting cargo for acceptance onto the IAGCargo network.

Failure to include the Tax identification code will result in cargo being off-loaded at the transiting hub due to enforcement action taken against our airlines by the Customs Authorities. There may also be significant delays in processing and release of cargo at destination airport.

UPDATED: 24/02/2020

From: Animal Health of the Madrid-Barajas Airport MAD Effective today 21 February 2020, Health/Sanitary authorities in MAD require that all pages of Health Certificates (Phytosanitary) be stamped and signed.

UPDATED 20/05/2019

With effect from 1st June 2019 Customs at Lima require the RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente) or (Taxpayer Identification Number) to be included in the Consignee box on the paper copy of the airwaybill (AWB).

IAG Cargo would like to encourage its customers to apply the RUC/TIN as soon as possible prior to 1st June 2019 to enable a smooth introduction to these requirements.