Thai VietJet launched direct flights between Qingdao and Bangkok on Oct 10, expanding Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport's Thailand network to 17 weekly flights — two to three per day — and further facilitating China-Thailand trade and cultural exchanges.

The Qingdao-Bangkok service operates every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with a flight time of about five hours.

Thailand is one of the most popular outbound destinations for Chinese travelers, known for its tropical islands, ancient cities, and vibrant urban scenes. November to February is Thailand's golden travel season, with little rainfall and comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor activities and in-depth cultural experiences.

More frequent direct flights better align Southeast Asia's winter-spring peak season with travelers' seasonal demand, making cross-border travel more flexible and hassle-free.

The route expansion reflects the broader warming of Qingdao airport's Southeast Asian aviation market. Driven by mutual visa-exemption policies and deepening China-ASEAN economic cooperation, the market has grown strongly.

To date, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport operates seven Southeast Asian destinations, covering Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Phnom Penh, and Penang.

From January to September this year, the airport operated 3,411 flights to Southeast Asia and carried 481,000 passengers, up 134 percent and 85 percent year-on-year, respectively. Southeast Asian routes have become an important engine for the airport's international passenger growth.

Thai VietJet launches direct Qingdao-Bangkok flights on Oct 10, bringing Qingdao Airport's weekly Thailand services to 17. [Photo/Guanhai News]