Encouraging signs for travel at Ontario International Airport in July as more flights resume

The number of commercial flights through Ontario International Airport (ONT) is expected to increase in July, the third straight month airlines will restore flights to their schedules at the Southern California airport.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020 — The number of commercial flights through Ontario International Airport (ONT) is expected to increase in July, the third straight month airlines will restore flights to their schedules at the Southern California airport.

Based on current airline schedules, ONT will have average daily departures of 44 in July, more than the 37 in June and 24 in May. While the number of July flights is approximately 38% lower than July last year, it represents a significant improvement since April when the global coronavirus pandemic led to sudden and dramatic decreases in passenger volume of 90% or more at airports around the world.

A noteworthy development is the resumption of Delta Air Lines’ nonstop service to its Atlanta hub.

“We are pleased to see demand for air travel returning and, while increases in recent months may be modest, we are encouraged by the emerging trend,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “Airports across the U.S. took a real gut punch in April, but we have worked hard at Ontario to maintain facilities and enhance many services with an eye toward the day when our customers resume more normal travel routines.”

To accommodate the return of passengers, Parking Lot 3 will reopen on July 1.

Thorpe reiterated that all customers, visitors and employees must wear appropriate face coverings while at ONT and onboard flights. The airport continues to utilize enhanced safeguards to keep facilities clean and germ-free, including frequent sanitizing of high-touch surfaces with highly effective disinfectant and security screening trays treated with powerful antimicrobial technology. Passengers are also reminded to wash hands with soap and water frequently and use the many hand sanitizing stations that have been added throughout ONT terminals.

In the meantime, Parking Lot 3 the summer drive-in movie series continues at ONT in July with showings of “The Sandlot” (July 3), “Princess Bride” (July 17) and “Napoleon Dynamite” (July 31). These movies are being shown in Lot 5 at the airport.