Aug 12 marked the fifth anniversary of the relocation of Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport. Since the move, the airport has pursued high-quality development, making notable progress in safety, service, and industrial expansion.

Passenger traffic has continued to rise. In 2025, the airport handled over 193,000 flights and 26.9 million passengers — hitting a daily record of 100,000 travelers for the first time. From January to July this year, passenger volume reached 15.88 million, up 4 percent year-on-year. Daily passenger flow has remained above 100,000 since late July.

The airport now operates 210 passenger routes, including 29 international and regional services. Its network to Northeast Asia is among the nation's strongest, with flights to Seoul and Busan ranking second nationwide in both volume and passenger numbers.

Southeast Asian routes have surged, with passenger traffic rising 98 percent, now accounting for 19 percent of international and regional travel. Total international and regional passenger traffic surpassed 2.1 million in the first seven months of the year, up 12 percent, and ranking among the top 10 nationwide.

Cargo operations have also strengthened, with international freight up 4 percent year-on-year to total 44,000 metric tons from January to July.

In terms of service quality, the airport ranked among the top in flight punctuality and boarding rates nationwide. It has introduced faster check-ins, 24-hour lounges, and streamlined transfer services. Five intermodal city terminals now connect rail and air travel across the region, including Weifang, Rizhao, and Linyi cities in Shandong.

As it enters its next phase, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport aims to become a world-class international aviation hub, enhancing its route network, logistics capacity, and passenger services to support regional development.

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport now operates 210 passenger routes, including 29 international and regional services. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]