Air Repatriation: A Compassionate Service for International Transport of the Deceased

Air Repatriation: A Compassionate Service for International Transport of the Deceased

When a loved one passes away far from home, the desire to return them to their place of origin for a proper farewell becomes paramount.

This is where air repatriation services play a crucial role, offering families the opportunity to honour their deceased by ensuring they are laid to rest in their homeland. Air repatriation has become an essential service in Ghana, especially for the many Ghanaians living abroad.

This blog explores the significance of air repatriation and the businesses that provide this vital service.

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A photo of a dead body ready for flight transport

Importance of Air Repatriation Services

Air repatriation refers to the process of transporting a deceased person’s body across international borders by air, usually from the country where the death occurred to the deceased’s home country.

This service is especially important for families who wish to honour cultural and religious traditions that dictate burial in the homeland. In Ghana, where strong ties to one’s ancestral land are deeply embedded in the culture, repatriation ensures that the deceased can be buried among their ancestors, fulfilling both spiritual and familial obligations. 

The process of air repatriation is complex and involves coordination between funeral directors, airlines, and government authorities to comply with international and local regulations.

This includes obtaining death certificates, embalming the body according to international standards, securing a coffin suitable for air transport, and completing necessary documentation such as transit permits.

Leading Air Repatriation Services in Ghana

Air Ghana

Air Ghana is a leading provider of air freight services in the country. They offer specialised services for the transportation of human remains, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the process is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. 

McDan Aviation

McDan Aviation provides a range of air freight services, including the transportation of deceased persons. Their services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each family, ensuring that the process is as smooth and respectful as possible.

Modern World Logistics Limited

Modern World Logistics offers reliable air freight services for the repatriation of human remains. They handle all aspects of the process, from documentation to the coordination of flights, ensuring that the deceased are transported safely and respectfully.

What to Expect During the Air Repatriation Process

Families seeking air repatriation services should be prepared for a process that involves several key steps. These include:

  • Documentation: Obtaining a death certificate, embalming certificate, and transit permit are essential. These documents must comply with both the country of departure and the country of arrival.

  • Embalming and Preparation: The body must be embalmed and placed in a special coffin suitable for air travel, often lined with zinc and sealed for safe transport.

  • Coordination with Airlines: The funeral service provider will liaise with airlines to book the appropriate cargo space and ensure that all logistical requirements are met.

  • Customs Clearance: Upon arrival, the body must clear customs before being handed over to the receiving funeral home or family members.

    This process requires meticulous attention to detail, and working with a professional repatriation service ensures that all aspects are handled with the care and respect that the deceased and their family deserve.

Air repatriation is a vital service that allows families to bring their deceased loved ones back home for a final farewell. In Ghana, where burial in one’s homeland holds deep cultural significance, businesses like Air Ghana, McDan Aviation, and Modern World Logistics Limited provide invaluable support, handling the complexities of international transport with compassion and professionalism. These services ensure that even in death, individuals can return to their roots, fulfilling the wishes of both the deceased and their families.


For more information on air freight services that transport the deceased's body internationally, visit the Air Freight category on our website Air Freight Services within Ghana to find companies who offer freight services.








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