Using a Belkin USB-A to USB-C cable on Apple iPad air.

To add a degree of clarification…

Your iPad Air has a USB-C port - this offering a USB3.1 connection and significantly greater flexibility than the older Lightning connector. As you observe, your iPad was supplied with a USB-C to USB-C cable - along with a 20W USB-PD (Power Delivery) Power Adapter.

Always use high quality certified cables. If you intend to connect your iPad’s USB-C port to a computer with an older USB Type-A connection, you simply require a certified USB Type-A to USB-C cable. Do not be tempted to use a simple plug-adapter; the USB-C standards do not allow for plug-adapters, as these can introduce inappropriate wiring combinations that can cause damage.

Apple does not itself manufacture USB Type-A to USB-C cables - but does market certified cables from third-party manufacturers such as mophie and Belkin. Purchasing products marketed by Apple is a good indication of suitability/compatibility with your Apple devices.

Other high-quality branded /certified cables should be equally safe to use. Avoid “cheap” cables - and those from dubious sources. Certified USB-C cables are not cheap - in part because they contain protective “active” electors components that protect the interface from damage.

If it's a genuine Belkin there's nothing to worry about, you can use a USB-A to USB-C cable. Nothing will break. However, beware USB-C allows for faster charging times. If the iPad Air is the 2022 model, USB-C also allows faster transferring speeds as well.

Hello, Jane.

Let's start off by reviewing the following article which discusses iPad Air charging: Charge and connect with the USB-C port on your iPad - Apple Support.

In the Charge your iPad section, it explains:

To charge your iPad, connect the included USB-C cable to the device's USB-C port and to the included power adapter. Then plug the adapter into a wall outlet.

If you have a higher-wattage USB-C power adapter—such as the one that came with your Mac notebook—you can use it with your iPad for faster charging. You can also charge your iPad by connecting it to the USB-C port on your computer.

Please also note the Use an adapter section:

Depending on the device, you might need an adapter. Here are some common connections:

If the device that you're connecting to has a USB-C port, all you need is a cable with USB-C connectors on each end, such as the cable that came with your iPad.

If the device has a USB-C connector, you can plug it directly into the iPad Pro USB-C port.

If the device has a USB-A connector, you can plug it into the Apple USB-C to USB adapter, then plug the adapter into the USB-C port of your iPad. 

Let us know if we can help with anything else at all or if this doesn't settle your issue. Thanks and have a fabulous day!

I’m a little confused here…

Your initial post indicated that your iPad was supplied with a USB-C to USB-C cable - and you had stated that this cable was not suitable for connection to your laptop.

As such, for older laptops that have older USB Type-A ports, a USB Type-A to USB-C cable was recommended to facilitate connection of your iPad (with USB-C) to your laptop (USB Type-A).

So, if the USB-C to USB-C cable supplied with your iPad is unsuitable - and the USB-A to USB-C cable is also unsuitable - it is less than clear what you are trying to connect to your laptop - and how.

Perhaps posting one or more photographs here will help to clarify the issue.