A launch ceremony for the "Qingdao-Qingzhou" route took place on August 20 at the Qingdao China-Korea Exchange and Cooperation International Lounge. Starting August 27, Qingdao Airport will partner with Qingdao Airlines to resume direct flights to Qingzhou, South Korea, making it the only direct route to Qingzhou in Shandong Province, with services scheduled every Thursday and Sunday.
Once operational, Qingdao Airport will have a South Korea-bound network covering major cities including Seoul, Busan, Qingzhou, and Daegu, precisely connecting to South Korea's core economic regions and consumer markets. The event, themed "Golden Bridge Linking Mountains and Seas, Direct to Qingzhou," drew attention from aviation and business communities in both China and South Korea, as well as numerous travelers.
At the ceremony, Qingdao Airport promoted its three major service brands: "Qingyi Boarding," "Qingyi Stay," and "Qingyi Transfer." These services allow passengers without checked luggage to board comfortably by arriving at the gate just 15 minutes before departure. The airport also operates a single concourse 24 hours a day, offering integrated facilities for check-in, security, rest, dining, and care services. International transfer passengers can enjoy free accommodation and popular attraction experiences as part of the benefits package.
This comprehensive travel bundle, covering dining, lodging, transportation, sightseeing, and shopping, delivers an all-around experience for passengers from air to ground. "With more flights and flexible scheduling, visiting Qingdao for leisure or family reunions has become very convenient," said Mr. Park, a Korean traveler from Seoul, while inquiring about travel perks. Like Park, a growing number of Korean tourists are choosing Qingdao as their top destination in China, with the expanding route network providing solid support for this trend.
In recent years, Qingdao Airport, together with Qingdao Airlines, has launched and increased frequencies on routes to Seoul, Daegu, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, and Penang. Currently, Qingdao Airport operates 38 daily round-trip flights on South Korea routes, achieving bus-like frequency. The new "Qingdao-Qingzhou" route will further upgrade the airport's South Korea network and consolidate Qingdao's position as a hub for China-Korea exchanges.
Looking ahead, Qingdao Airport will continue to enhance customs clearance efficiency and improve the one-stop service experience for inbound tourists, ensuring every traveler feels Qingdao's warmth and hospitality. The goal is to encourage more visitors to return repeatedly, shifting from quick sightseeing to deeper cultural experiences.