Ontario International Airport Achieves Record Passenger Milestone for 49th Consecutive Month

Ontario International Airport Sets New Passenger Record

In March 2025, Ontario International Airport (ONT) achieved a remarkable milestone by welcoming nearly 560,000 passengers, marking the 49th consecutive month of year-over-year growth in passenger counts. This achievement not only underscores the airport's growing popularity but also reflects the effectiveness of its strategies to enhance its service offerings and connectivity.

The airport's March total of 559,619 travelers represents a slight increase of 0.5% from the previous year, highlighting a steady upward trend in passenger numbers. Over the first quarter of 2025, ONT recorded approximately 1.5 million air travelers, which is a 0.6% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2024. The rising traffic provides evidence of continued consumer confidence in Ontario International Airport as their preferred travel gateway in Southern California.

By sector, the domestic passenger count showed a positive trend, reaching 520,938 in March, an increase of 1.0% from March 2024. In contrast, international travel recorded a decline of 5.8%, with 38,681 international passengers. This mix of results reflects both the recovery of domestic travel and the ongoing challenges facing international travel amidst fluctuating global conditions.

Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), expressed gratitude for the support from airline partners and passengers alike, which contributes to Ontario's stature as a prime airport choice. He noted, "The continued increase in passenger volume comes as we prepare to welcome new flights and destinations this summer, further connecting our region to the world."

Expanding Services

In line with this growth, ONT is set to introduce several new flight routes this summer, enhancing its connectivity to major cities. Southwest Airlines will launch daily service to Baltimore/Washington (BWI), and United Airlines will provide new daily flights to Chicago/O'Hare (ORD). On the international front, STARLUX Airlines will commence operations to Taipei (TPE) starting in June, while Volaris will add flights to three additional destinations in Mexico in July, featuring daily service to popular tourist destination Los Cabos (SJD).

The growth in air travel is mirrored by an increase in seat capacity as airlines raise the number of available seats by 8% for flights to and from ONT in April. As travel demand rises with the arrival of spring and summer, this strategic adjustment speaks to the airport's commitment to meeting passenger needs effectively.

Cargo Operations Thrive

Aside from passenger growth, Ontario International Airport also reported a significant increase in air cargo tonnage in March, soaring by 11%. Year-to-date cargo tonnage from January to March is up 8.2%, highlighting the airport’s capability to accommodate expanding logistics operations. Elkadi pointed out, "Our first-rate cargo facilities continue to appeal to our shipping partners who benefit from our exceptional service, ample capacity, and favorable location at the center of Southern California."

Detailed cargo statistics indicate a contrasting dynamic; while freight tonnage decreased by 2.9% from March 2024, the volume of mail surged astonishingly by over 325%, from 2,576 tons to 10,955 tons. This indicates a growing reliance on air freight for mailing needs, particularly amidst increased eCommerce and expedited shipping demands.

Recognizing Ontario International Airport

As one of California's most beloved mid-sized airports, ONT has been acknowledged in J.D. Power's North America Airport Satisfaction Study, attributing its heightened reputation to extensive amenities, customer service excellence, and strategic location just 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. OIAA continues to foster its vision of ensuring the airport contributes richly to the Southern California economy while providing an unparalleled travel experience for visitors.

For more information, interested travelers can visit www.flyOntario.com or follow ONT updates on various social media platforms. As summer travel approaches, Ontario International Airport is set to become a more connected hub for both air travelers and cargo operations.