My 3rd generation IPad Air is no longer charging. The part you plug the charger into is broke. Is there some kind of charging pad that work instead?

iPads do not support wireless charging. A dock would still need the actual port to work to charge it.

Setup an Genius Bar Appointment to get the charger por repaired. Link-> iPad Service & Repair - Apple Support

These support pages should help with troubleshooting battery and charging issues:

Charge and monitor the iPad battery - Apple Support

If your iPad won't charge – Apple Support

If the Lightning port of your iPad, through which you charge your iPad has been damaged, your iPad will require repair. There are no alternative means by which any model of iPad can be charged other than direct connection to a suitable Power Adapter.

For issues other than the physical connection, troubleshooting generally requires substitution of the Power Adapter and cable for another known-good item. Most models of iPad require a Power Adapter rated at 12W or greater to reliably charge. 5W Power Adapters intended for older models of iPhone are inadequate to charge an iPad; if the iPad charges at all, charging will be very slow.

Be aware that many computer USB ports cannot source sufficient power to charge an iPad. Unless explicitly designed for charging connected devices, computer USB ports are typically limited to 0.5-1A @5V (i.e., 2.5-5.0W).

If you continue to experience difficulties when using an appropriate Power Adapter of 12W or greater, you might be best advised to seek assistance directly from from Apple Support - and request a remote diagnostic test. You can contact the Support Team using the Get Support link at top-right of this page. Alternatively, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad, Power Adapter and cable(s):

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Apple and Apple Stores do NOT repair user iPads.

To expedite quick and speedy customer service, Apple and Apple Stores ONLY offer in/out-of-warranty device replacement.

If no more free or paid warranty coverage on that 2019 iPad Air 3, a replacement of your exact model will cost approximately 60% of that iPad’s original cost.

Sorry & Best of Luck to You!

SylG48 wrote:

Thanks for your replies. I did take it to the Apple store and was told I just need to buy a new one. No mention was made of repair. Maybe I should take it back and ask about that. I didn’t think to ask specifically.

Hard to believe they did not offer at least a service replacement. Yes, they don't generally directly repair it and in most cases offer a direct replacement for an out of warranty fee, but they should have offered service. Wether that ends up being a replacement or actual repair only Apple can determine.

It would be very strange for them to have told you to just to buy a new one. Its not really Apple policy.