Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport in Shandong has seen robust growth in its international and regional aviation sector. By November this year, passenger traffic on international and regional routes reached 3 million, a year-on-year increase of 25.5 percent, showing the airport's expanding role as a regional aviation hub with growing influence and market vitality.

By the end of November, the airport had routes to 26 international and regional destinations, including Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, Moscow, London, Sydney, and Tokyo. This extensive network has positioned Qingdao as a gateway to major global destinations, offering efficient and comprehensive air connectivity.

Regional markets have performed dynamically, with South Korea as one of the key markets. As of Nov 7, marking the first anniversary of China's visa-free policy for South Korea, Qingdao airport had transported 1.8 million South Korean passengers during the policy period, a year-on-year increase of 23.6 percent.

Among them, inbound South Korean travelers reached 360,000, accounting for 71 percent of all inbound foreign passengers. To further strengthen its market position, Qingdao airport, in collaboration with Qingdao Airlines, will launch a new route to Daegu, South Korea, on Dec 21 — the only such route from Shandong province.

Southeast Asia remains another high-demand market, with recent seat occupancy rates averaging 84.7 percent.

Travel to Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries is also on the rise. By Nov 30, mainland residents traveling to Russia via Qingdao airport reached 22,000, a 78 percent year-on-year increase. Qingdao airport's direct flight to Moscow — the only one from Shandong — will continue to foster closer economic, tourism, and cultural ties.

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport in Shandong sees robust growth in its international and regional aviation sector. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]