Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is expanding its international and regional air network as cross-border passenger traffic continues to grow, strengthening the city's connections with Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and major long-haul destinations.

The airport has operated 29 international and regional passenger routes served by 16 domestic and overseas airlines so far this year.

From January to August, it handled 2.44 million international and regional passengers, up 11 percent year-on-year to rank 10th among Chinese airports. More than 438,000 foreign nationals entered China through the airport during this period, an increase of 34 percent, with about 80 percent entering under visa-free policies.

South Korea remains Qingdao's largest international aviation market. Passenger traffic between Qingdao and South Korea reached 1.4 million in the first eight months, up 15 percent year-on-year. Frequent services connect Qingdao with Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Cheongju.

Southeast Asia is another fast-growing market. Qingdao now has direct flights to seven destinations in the region, including Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore and Phnom Penh. Passenger traffic on Southeast Asian routes rose 34 percent during the summer travel season, lifting the region's share of Qingdao's international passenger market to 20 percent.

Qingdao also operates long-haul services to Melbourne, Sydney, Moscow and London. Direct flights to Vancouver are scheduled to resume on Oct 2, restoring Shandong province's only direct passenger air link with North America.

The expanded network is expected to further support tourism, business exchanges and international connectivity.