Ontario International Airport Prepares for Record Passenger Traffic During Winter Holidays
Ontario International Airport Prepares for Record Passenger Traffic During Winter Holidays
As the winter holiday season approaches, Ontario International Airport (ONT) is set to witness an unprecedented surge in passenger numbers. Anticipating more than 362,000 travelers from December 18 to January 4, ONT is bracing for a 2.2% increase compared to last year, marking its busiest holiday season to date. This surge is indicative of the airport's growing popularity, as officials project the year's total passenger count to surpass 7 million.
Anticipated Travel Trends
The holiday travel period is expected to be particularly busy with peak days projected for Sunday, December 21, and Friday, December 19, during which 22,804 and 22,353 passengers, respectively, are expected to pass through the terminals. To accommodate this demand, airlines have scheduled over 2,808 flights, offering more than 465,000 seats.
Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, expressed enthusiasm for the influx of travelers. He stated, _“From the moment people step into our terminals, whether they're traveling, welcoming loved ones home or simply passing through, they'll feel the warmth, energy, and sense of community that define our airport.”_
To enhance the holiday spirit, the airport has rolled out its “So Cal So Jolly Fest”, kicking off with a festive tree lighting ceremony on December 1. Daily events and seasonal treats are set to continue through Christmas Day, creating a joyful atmosphere that adds to the holiday experience for all travelers.
The Growth of Ontario International Airport
The anticipation of this holiday season follows a year of steady growth for ONT. In the first 11 months of 2025, the airport welcomed over 6.5 million passengers, a modest 0.5% increase from the prior year. Interestingly, while domestic travel experienced a slight dip of 1.2%, international passenger numbers saw a substantial growth of 25.6%, signaling an expanding global reach for the airport.
November alone recorded 593,799 travelers, marking a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to November 2024. Domestic flights saw a more significant decline due to reduced scheduled flights mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, which affected many airports, including ONT. However, international passengers surged to 57,512 in November, setting a new record and reflecting the airport's growing international appeal.
Air Cargo and Overall Operations
Notably, the airport also reported on its air cargo operations, which faced a decline of 2.4% in November. Yet, the total cargo tonnage has risen by 5.3% through the year thus far, with mail volume significantly up by 122.7%.
As Southern California’s second most popular mid-sized airport, ONT continues to offer full-service operations, providing nonstop commercial jet services to numerous destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan. This broad network positions ONT as a key player in regional air travel, benefiting the local economy.
For anyone planning to travel during this peak season, ONT is clearly poised to facilitate their journey, promising a blend of operational efficiency and festive cheer, ensuring every traveler experiences the joys of holiday travel. For further information, visit flyOntario.com or follow ONT on social media channels to stay updated on events and travel information.
Topics Travel）
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