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More than a half-million passengers flew through Ontario International Airport in August, 10% increase

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ONTARIO, Calif., Sept. 17, 2019 (Press Release) — More than half a million airline passengers flew through Ontario International Airport (ONT) in August, a 10% increase over August last year, airport officials announced today. For the month, ONT welcomed more than 504,000 air travelers, with domestic passengers totaling nearly 479,000 and the number of international travelers exceeding 25,000. Domestic and international passenger volumes grew 9.9% and 13.3% in August, respectively.

Passenger volumes continued their impressive gains at ONT during August.

From January through August, the total number of passengers who arrived at and departed from ONT was almost 3.6 million, an increase of 7.5% over the same period in 2018. Domestic travelers totaled nearly 3.4 million, an increase of 6%, while the number of international passengers rose 43% to more than 200,000 over the first eight months of the year.

“The continued growth in passenger volume is a great source of pride for all of us who are dedicated to developing a first-rate international gateway for Southern California,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “That more and more travelers are choosing Ontario reflects the tremendous achievements made to provide the facilities, services and amenities, along with our hallmark hassle-free experience, which appeal to our customers.”

Thorpe also reminded customers who prefer app-ride service to Ontario airport to download the Lyft app on their mobile device and discounted parking rates are always available at booking.flyontario.com.

Air freight shipments were essentially flat in August at 65,514 tons, outpacing August last year by 28 tons, while mail shipments decreased by 45%. For the first eight months of the year, commercial freight grew 3.6% to more than 479,000 tons while mail shipments declined more than 17%. Overall, air cargo shipments were up 2.7% compared to the same period a year ago.

 

About Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport with nonstop commercial jet service to 22 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan, and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There is an average of 72 daily departures offered by nine air carriers. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com.

Follow @flyONT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)
The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport’s four-county catchment area. OIAA Commissioners are Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

The Inland Empire Business Journal (IEBJ) is the official business news publication of Southern California’s Inland Empire region - covering San Bernardino & Riverside Counties.

Travel & Tourism

Ontario International Airport expects 2.2 million passengers during summer travel season

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Ontario International Airport officials expect 2.22 million passengers this summer, 1.7% more than last year, as airlines add flights to 12 popular U.S. and international destinations.

“As Southern California’s gateway to the world, ONT is ready to welcome another record-setting summer travel season,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “Our airport continues to earn the trust of both passengers and airline partners by delivering a world-class, stress-free experience that reflects the spirit of our community. With more flights, more destinations, and more options than ever before, ONT is strengthening its role as a key player in the region’s air travel landscape.

The summer travel season begins Friday, May 23, before the Memorial Day weekend and extends through Labor Day, Monday, September 1.

Summer 2025EstimatedPassengersVersus2024Estimated SeatsVersus 2024
Totals2,221,061+1.7%2,854,6873.4%

The estimated passenger volumes include:

  • 663,959 in June
  • 672,034 in July
  • 671,274 in August

ONT airlines will begin new service, restore previous flights or increase service this summer to 12 popular domestic and international destinations.

Domestic DestinationsAir CarrierFrequency/Start Date
Baltimore/Washington (BWI)Southwest AirlinesDaily service starts June 5
Chicago/O’Hare (ORD)United AirlinesDaily service starts May 22
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)American Airlines7 daily (up from 6)
Frontier Airlines6-times weekly
New York (JFK)JetBlueDaily service resumes April 30
Sacramento (SMF)Southwest Airlines7 daily (up from 5)
Salt Lake City (SLC)Delta Air Lines4 daily (up from 3)
Seattle (SEA)Alaska Airlines5 daily (up from 4)
Delta Air Lines4 daily
Frontier Airlines1 daily
International DestinationsAir CarrierFrequency/Start Date
Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL)Volaris2 daily (up from 1)
León, Mexico (BJX)Volaris3-times weekly service starts July 4
Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD)VolarisDaily service starts July 4
Morelia, Mexico (MLM)Volaris4-times weekly service starts July 5
Taipei (TPE)STARLUX Airlines4-times weekly service starts June 2

Airlines are offering more than 2.8 million seats in and out of ONT this summer, with 77.8% expected to be occupied. The number of seats available this year is 3.4% higher than last summer.

Elkadi noted other customer-friendly aspects of the ONT experience such as curbside access for ride-share services; access to premium Aspire Lounges; 3Sixty Duty-Free shopping; competitively priced hourly, daily and valet parking near passenger terminals and discounts on-airport parking when reservations are pre-booked.

Officials reminded domestic travelers the deadline for Real ID-enabled driver’s licenses is May 7, 2025. Motorists can get driving, parking and terminal information 24/7 by listening to ONT Radio at 620AM and streaming here.

“Southern California shines in the summer, and Ontario International Airport is the perfect starting point for any adventure. From our world-famous beaches to stunning mountain escapes, desert resorts, and vibrant cultural attractions, ONT offers travelers easy access to everything that makes this region a top global destination.” Elkadi added

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Travel & Tourism

Ontario International Airport passenger count increased in February as cargo tonnage continues upward trend

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Ontario International Airport (ONT) saw a slight increase in passengers in February compared with the same month in the prior year, despite one fewer day due to Leap Year in 2024.  Adjusting for the shorter month in 2025, ONT passenger volume was 3.6% higher than February 2024.

According to ONT officials, 450,093 air travelers chose the Southern California gateway last month versus 449,893 last year. Ontario’s domestic passenger count totaled 414,286, a 0.2% increase, while international volume decreased by 1.8% to 35,807.

Over the first two months of the year, ONT passenger traffic was 0.6% higher, with domestic volume up 1.3% while the number of international travelers was lower by 6.6%

“We continue to prove that we are the aviation gateway Southern California deserves. Even with a shorter month, we saw growth, an achievement that speaks to our resilience, strong demand, and the trust travelers and airlines place in us. With new service launching to Chicago and Baltimore/Washington as well as four international destinations in Mexico and Asia, ONT is not just keeping up; we are setting the stage for even greater success in 2025 and beyond,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA).

PassengerTotalsFeb2025Feb2024ChangeYTD2025YTD2024Change
Domestic414,286413,4130.2%849,205837,9901.3%
International35,80736,480-1.8%76,12781,492-6.6%
Total450,093449,8930.0%925,332919,4820.6%

The air carriers with the greatest passenger shares in February were:

  1. Southwest Airlines (37.5%)
  2. American Airlines (16.1%)
  3. Frontier Airlines (10.7%)
  4. Delta Air Lines (9.1%)
  5. United Airlines (8.6%)

Air cargo increased by 6.8% in February, driven by shipments of mail which grew by more than 276%. Freight shipments for the month decreased 6.1%. For the year, freight and mail combined rose by 6.7%.

Air cargo(tonnage)Feb2025Feb2024ChangeYTD2025YTD2024Change
Freight50,60653,922-6.1%103,029110,691-6.9%
Mail9,7272,583276.5%20,6305,244293.4%
Total60,33356,5056.8%123,659115,9356.7%

“Ontario prides itself on first rate cargo facilities and operational excellence which makes our Inland Empire airport a hub of choice for cargo shippers,” Elkadi said.

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Travel & Tourism

Ontario International Airport Celebrates 47 Months of Continuous Passenger Growth

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New Air Services and Strong Cargo Performance Propel ONT’s Growth in Early 2025

Ontario International Airport (ONT) has marked a significant achievement, recording its 47th straight month of passenger growth. In January 2025, passenger volume at ONT rose by 1.2%, with over 475,000 travelers compared to 469,000 in January 2024.

The airport saw an increase in domestic travelers, with nearly 435,000 passengers representing a 2.4% rise from the previous year. However, international traffic experienced a decrease, down 10% to just over 40,000 passengers.

Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), expressed optimism about the future. “We’re kicking off the new year with incredible momentum, as more travelers continue to choose ONT. With several exciting new air service announcements from our airline partners, 2025 is set to be a year of substantial growth, opportunity, and enhanced connectivity for our community.”

Looking ahead, ONT is poised to introduce several new travel options. This summer, passengers will benefit from daily flights to Baltimore/Washington (BWI) and Chicago/O’Hare (ORD) via Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, respectively. Additionally, international service expansions include STARLUX Airlines commencing four-times weekly flights to Taipei (TPE) in June and Volaris launching routes to three more cities in Mexico in July, including a daily flight from ONT to Los Cabos (SJD).

Passenger Totals for January 2025 vs. January 2024:

  • Domestic: 434,919 (2.4% increase)
  • International: 40,320 (10.4% decrease)
  • Total: 475,239 (1.2% increase)

Top carriers for passenger volume in January included Southwest Airlines (35.1%), American Airlines (15.3%), Frontier Airlines (11.6%), Delta Air Lines (9.3%), and United Airlines (8.8%).

In terms of cargo, ONT experienced a 6.6% overall increase in January 2025. This growth was driven largely by a more than 300% increase in mail shipments, although freight shipments saw a decline of 7.7%.

Air Cargo Performance for January 2025 vs. January 2024:

  • Freight: 52,423 tons (-7.7%)
  • Mail: 10,903 tons (309.8% increase)
  • Total: 63,326 tons (6.6% increase)

Elkadi highlighted ONT’s expanding role in both passenger and cargo transport. “Ontario International Airport continues to solidify its position as one of the nation’s fastest-growing passenger airports and a top ten cargo hub, reinforcing our vital role in regional and global travel,” he said.

ONT remains committed to enhancing its facilities and services to support the region’s economic growth and meet the evolving needs of travelers and businesses alike.

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