Qingdao plans to transfer its air hub from the Liuting International Airport to the new Jiaodong International Airport, according to this year's municipal government work report.

The Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is built in the shape of a starfish to represent Qingdao's rich seaside culture. [Photo/guanhai.com.cn]

The Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, located in Jiaozhou on the outskirts of Qingdao, has been designated a 4F airport, the highest international designation for an airport and the same ranking as Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The new airport can accommodate the landing and takeoff of large aircraft such as the Airbus 380 and Boeing 747 and has two runways being built in accordance with the highest international standards.

The airport will be able to serve 35 million passengers and handle 500,000 tons of cargo and mail per year by 2025, according to airport officials.

Another two runways have also been planned for the airport's second phase, which after being completed by 2045, will be able to serve 60 million passengers and handle about 1 million metric tons of cargo per year.

The new airport will continue to focus on developing and enhancing international flights to Europe, North America, and Oceania, said airport officials.

The interior of the Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport [Photo/guanhai.com.cn]