Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport handles a total of 2.03 million transit passengers this year. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Since the beginning of this year, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport has handled 2.03 million transit passengers. Its transit rate is 9 percent, ranking 13th nationally and moving up one spot. A significant driver is international transit, which saw 970,000 passengers, a year-on-year increase of nearly 30 percent.

The airport has strengthened its Qingyifei service brand. It has established a seamless transfer network covering 25 domestic cities for travel to Japan and South Korea, while ensuring smooth connections from 38 major Chinese hubs to nine international cities like Dubai and London.

Key efficiency measures include reducing check-in deadlines for international flights to 50 minutes and offering six premium services, such as dedicated counters and fast-track security.

The 24-hour direct transit policy streamlines the transfer process for international passengers at Qingdao airport. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A major policy boost came in November, when the airport began offering a 24-hour direct transit exemption from immigration checks. This policy significantly simplifies the process, reducing wait times and enhancing the passenger experience.

The airport's integrated air-rail service is a significant advantage. As a comprehensive transport hub, it connects air, high-speed rail, and subway services seamlessly.

In the first three quarters of this year, air-rail passenger volume surged to 1.03 million, a 32 percent increase. Services like the "one-stop check-in and baggage pre-security" at city rail terminals in places like Weifang allow travelers to check their luggage through to their final flight destination.

To further improve the transit experience, the airport is collaborating with local tourism partners to offer special accommodation, transfer, and dining perks for eligible transit passengers until the end of this year.

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport's comprehensive transport hub integrates air, high-speed rail, metro, and road systems. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]