Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport handled 104,000 passengers in a single day on July 29, setting a new record since its opening.

The surge comes as the airport marks the fifth anniversary of its relocation and operation at its current site. Over the past five years, Qingdao airport has continued to expand its route network and strengthen its role as a regional aviation hub connecting major domestic cities and international destinations.

The airport currently operates 210 passenger routes, including 181 domestic and 29 international and regional routes. It has strengthened air links with major cities such as Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Chongqing through 11 air express routes. Meanwhile, it has added more medium- and long-haul routes to destinations including Urumqi, Haikou, and Guiyang to meet growing travel demand.

Internationally, Qingdao has further consolidated its position as a gateway to Northeast Asia, with stable services to Seoul, Busan, and Daegu in South Korea. The Qingdao–Seoul Express now operates an average of 16 flights a day.

The airport has also expanded its Southeast Asian network, with flights connecting Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, while maintaining intercontinental routes to Moscow, London, Melbourne, and Sydney.

As of July 29, the airport had handled 2.08 million international and regional passengers this year, up 12 percent year-on-year. Inbound foreign travelers totaled 385,000, an increase of 39 percent compared to the same period last year, highlighting Qingdao's growing appeal as an international destination.

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport sees heavy passenger traffic during the summer travel season. [Photo/guanhai news]