Qingdao Metro Line 8 entered full operation on Sept 22 after its southern section opened to passengers, providing a direct metro connection between downtown Qingdao and Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport.

Passengers can now travel from May Fourth Square to the airport without changing trains, with express services cutting the journey to about 40 minutes.

The newly opened southern section has seven stations and runs through Licang, Shibei and Shinan districts. Key stops include Qingdao North Railway Station, Xiwujiacun and May Fourth Square.

The line also adds several important interchange points to the city's metro network. Qingdao North Railway Station connects with Lines 1 and 3 as well as national railway services, while May Fourth Square links with Lines 2 and 3.

Special express trains stop at selected stations, including May Fourth Square, Qingdao North Railway Station, Jiaodong Airport and Jiaozhou North Railway Station, providing a more convenient option for passengers heading to or from the airport.

With Line 8 fully operational, Qingdao now has eight metro lines spanning 365 kilometers, with 176 stations and 17 interchange stations.

The direct airport link also improves connections between the city's major transport hubs and central districts, making travel across Qingdao easier for both residents and visitors.