Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport has handled over 2 million passengers this year on its Japan and South Korea routes as of Oct 31, marking a 28 percent year-on-year increase. This growth is being driven by the continuous expansion of the route network, visa-free policies, and enhanced regional connectivity, solidifying the airport's position as a premier gateway to East Asia.

As a key international hub in Northeast Asia, Qingdao airport has strengthened its Japan and South Korea network by launching new routes to cities like Cheongju, Nagoya, and Shizuoka, and increasing frequencies to Busan and Osaka. The average load factor on these routes approaches 80 percent. During the National Day holiday, flight operations and passenger volume surged by 19 percent and 32 percent, respectively.

Currently, 10 airlines operate flights to Japan and South Korea from Qingdao, with up to 52 daily round trips — ranking among the top three cities in China in terms of flight frequency. The airport offers a Qingdao–Seoul express route with 32 daily flights, enabling shuttle-like convenience from early morning until night.

The airport also promotes an integrated passenger-cargo model, leveraging bellyhold capacity to expedite exports of local specialties like Tsingtao Beer and seafood to Japan and South Korea, while facilitating imports of cosmetics and electronics via cross-border e-commerce.

Building on South Korea's recent visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists, Qingdao has seen 73 percent of inbound travelers using the visa-free entry policy, with Japanese and South Korean passenger numbers growing by 51 percent. The airport has enhanced travel efficiency through optimized boarding processes, benefiting over 300,000 passengers with seamless connections across 25 domestic cities.

As a key international hub in Northeast Asia, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport strengthens its Japan and South Korea network by launching new routes. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]