Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport streamlines its check-in deadlines to enhance travel convenience. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport saw a notable rise in passenger traffic from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states during the first half of this year, with immigration data showing 16,000 foreign nationals passing through — a 37.91 percent increase from the previous year.

In the first half of this year, among inbound foreign nationals from SCO member states entering Qingdao, approximately 6,800 arrivals — about 41 percent of the total — were for visits and tourism. This highlights the growing cultural and tourism exchanges between Qingdao and SCO countries.

"Cultural and tourism connections serve as a universal language," said Bian Feng, director of border inspection at Qingdao airport immigration station.

To support this growing cross-border movement, Qingdao's immigration authorities have introduced several service improvements, including optimized visa-free and transit policies, multilingual guidance systems, and streamlined clearance procedures for both travelers and transportation vehicles. These measures have significantly enhanced processing efficiency at the airport, a key gateway for SCO-related travel.

The increase in passenger traffic aligns with Qingdao's designation as the 2024-25 SCO Tourism and Culture Capital. The city is hosting numerous cultural events and trade forums that continue to draw visitors from across the Eurasian region. Industry analysts predict this trend may accelerate further in the second half of this year, particularly during peak travel seasons and major diplomatic gatherings.