Ontario Intl. Airport Continues Rise In Passenger Counts

ONTARIO, CA — The number of air travelers who choose Ontario International Airport continues to increase. Not surprising given that the Inland Empire, with its 4.7 million people, is now ranked the 12th largest metropolitan area in the United States.

ONT officials announced Monday that the number of air travelers who chose ONT during February grew by 9%, extending the airport's run of year-over-year increases to 36 consecutive months. The figures show that 413,413 domestic passengers and 36,480 international fliers came through ONT, increases of 5.7% and 68.3%, respectively, officials reported.

Over the first two months of 2024, ONT's passenger count increased by 9.2% to more than 919,000, with the number of domestic travelers up 5.2% and international passengers nearly 80% higher, according to the airport.

Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority, said ONT is the airport of choice for Southern California. For Inland Empire travelers, the facility provides easier access and fewer crowds, though it still doesn't offer as many flight options as its larger counterparts in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

Still, there are flights between ONT and major destinations across the United States and around the globe. Currently, more than 10 airlines, including major brands — such as Alaska, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United — fly to and from the Southern California gateway.

ONT was the first airport in Southern California to exceed pre-pandemic passenger levels and in 2023 posted its highest volumes since 2008, officials said.

ONT handles air cargo in addition to airline passengers. Freight shipments at ONT increased by more than 4% in February and 0.5% year over year. Officials said ONT is the 9th largest cargo airport in the United States and the hub of one of the world's largest supply chain networks.

In late 2016, ONT was returned to local control after it was transferred from Los Angeles World Airports to the Ontario International Airport Authority.