For cross-border e-commerce sellers and international trade businesses, the timeliness of air freight is a critical concern. However, during holidays, delays become inevitable, often leading to customer complaints, canceled orders, and financial losses. Understanding the causes and preparing accordingly can help mitigate these disruptions.
Holiday Types and Delay Durations: What to Expect
The impact of holidays on air freight varies depending on their duration and global significance. Below is an analysis of major holidays and their typical effects:
1. Christmas and New Year (December 20–January 5)
- Peak Period: Two weeks before and one week after the holiday, with the highest congestion between December 25 and January 1.
- Average Delay: 10–15 days (compared to the usual 3–5 days).
- Primary Causes: Reduced flights, halted operations at cargo terminals and customs, and backlog at major transit hubs like Frankfurt, Los Angeles, and Miami.
- Common Issues: Limited cargo space, 3–5 day waiting periods for bookings, and delays in unloading, sorting, and customs clearance.
Mitigation Strategies: Ship early to avoid peak congestion, work with reliable freight forwarders to secure space, and monitor shipments closely.
2. Chinese New Year (February 16–22, 2026)
- Peak Period: One to two weeks before and one week after the holiday.
- Average Delay: 8–13 days (compared to the usual 3–5 days).
- Primary Causes: Domestic logistics shutdowns, pre-holiday shipment surges, and post-holiday processing delays.
- Common Issues: Overcrowded cargo terminals in major Chinese airports, longer wait times for direct flights, and missed connections for transshipments.
Mitigation Strategies: Ship well in advance, prioritize direct flights, and maintain close communication with logistics providers.
3. U.S. Thanksgiving and Black Friday/Cyber Monday (Late November)
- Peak Period: November 20–December 5.
- Average Delay: 3–7 days.
- Primary Causes: E-commerce demand spikes, staffing shortages in last-mile delivery, and increased customs inspections.
Mitigation Strategies: Stock inventory early, partner with experienced forwarders, and stay updated on U.S. customs regulations.
4. Regional Holidays (Eid, Easter, etc.)
- Average Delay: 2–5 days (or 5–7 days if coinciding with local peak seasons).
- Primary Causes: Localized operational pauses, slower customs processing, and delivery delays in destination countries.
Mitigation Strategies: Research destination holidays, coordinate with local clients, and use forwarders with regional expertise.
The Three Phases of Holiday Delays
Delays occur not only during holidays but also in the pre- and post-holiday periods:
1. Pre-Holiday Rush (Most Congested)
Shipment volumes spike, leading to booking difficulties, 2–5 day delays, and frequent flight overbooking. Missed flights may require waiting 1–2 additional days for rescheduling.
Mitigation: Book space 1–2 weeks early, opt for direct flights, and consider staggered shipments.
2. Holiday Period (Operational Pauses)
Cargo terminals and customs offices operate minimally, adding 1–3 days to processing. Arrived shipments may sit idle for 1–2 days.
Mitigation: Avoid scheduling arrivals during holidays, confirm clearance schedules in advance, and use expedited services for urgent shipments.
3. Post-Holiday Recovery (Secondary Congestion)
Backlogs are prioritized, new shipments face 2–4 day waits, and understaffed customs and delivery teams add 2–3 more days.
Mitigation: Confirm post-holiday recovery plans, prepare complete customs documentation, and update clients on revised timelines.
Choosing the Right Shipping Options
Different routes and services experience varying delays:
- Direct Flights: 3–7 day delays (mainly due to origin congestion and destination clearance).
- Transshipments: 5–10 day delays (higher risk of missed connections at busy hubs).
- Express Carriers (DHL/UPS/FedEx): 3–7 day delays; paid expedited options may reduce this by 1–2 days (no guarantees).
- Standard Air Freight: 5–10 day delays, especially for low-priority or consolidated cargo.
While holiday delays are unavoidable, proactive planning, strategic shipping choices, and clear communication with logistics partners can minimize disruptions. By anticipating these challenges, businesses can maintain smoother operations during peak seasons.