Major International Flight Expansion at Ontario International Airport with New Volaris Routes
Ontario International Airport's Expansion
Ontario International Airport (ONT), located in Southern California, has taken a significant leap as it gears up for its largest single-day expansion of international services. This notable increase is brought about by Volaris, a low-cost airline, which is set to introduce 14 weekly flights destined for three new cities in Mexico. This growth affirms ONT's role as a crucial global gateway in the region.
The expansion includes daily flights to Los Cabos and additional routes to León/Bajío and Morelia, marking a critical milestone for the airport as it aims to enhance its international profile. Flights to Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) will operate daily, starting July 4, 2025. Service to León/Bajío International Airport (BJX) will occur three times a week, while Morelia International Airport (MLM) will see flights four times weekly.
Details of the New Volaris Flights
The new flights are expected to take off from Terminal 2, landing at the ONT International Arrivals Terminal. They will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, which are designed to accommodate 186 passengers, ensuring that the journeys are not only comfortable but also efficient.
Flight Schedules
1. To Los Cabos (SJD)
- Departure: 12:40 PM
- Arrival: 3:10 PM
- Frequency: Daily
2. To Morelia (MLM)
- Departure: 8:20 PM
- Arrival: 1:02 AM (+1 day)
- Frequency: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
3. To León/Bajío (BJX)
- Departure: 8:20 PM
- Arrival: 12:50 AM (+1 day)
- Frequency: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
These new routes, together with the existing service to Guadalajara (GDL), will bring the total number of Volaris flights operating from ONT to 28 weekly, further solidifying the airline's strong presence in the area.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board, emphasized that this expansion reflects a decade-long relationship with Volaris aimed at linking Southern California with significant markets across Latin America. The increase in flights is expected to boost travel for various purposes, including business engagements and leisure trips, offering travelers more opportunities to explore different destinations affordably and comfortably.
Holger Blankenstein, Executive Vice President of Volaris, expressed enthusiasm about this development, noting it reaffirms the airline’s commitment to improving travel options for both local and international passengers. He believes that with enhanced connectivity, ONT can facilitate better access to the wider LA basin and beyond.
In a solid testament to its growing international status, ONT reported that 2024 saw the highest number of international travelers in its history, an increase of 5.1% to 438,896 passengers compared to the previous year. This growth reflects a strong demand for international travel and positions Ontario International Airport as a leading midsized airport in California.
About Ontario International Airport
ONT is recognized for its convenience and customer satisfaction, as highlighted by J.D. Power's recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, it offers direct jet service to numerous major airports in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and even Taiwan.
The Ontario International Airport Authority, formed in 2012, is dedicated to the management and marketing of the airport's services while working to cater to the Southern California region's needs. With ongoing expansions and enhancing services, ONT is poised for continued growth and remains committed to being a key player in regional travel.