#United States #Ontario, California #Southern California #Ontario Airport #Alan Wapner

Ontario International Airport Reports Record Passenger Volume in First Half of 2026

Ontario International Airport Celebrates Record Passenger Volume

Ontario International Airport (ONT) has marked a significant achievement in its historical journey with remarkable passenger traffic in the first half of 2026. In just six months, the airport welcomed over 3.4 million air travelers, reflecting a nearly 2% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge represents the highest volume of passengers since the airport was returned to local ownership over a decade ago.

This transformation has not only elevated passenger traffic but has also positioned ONT as a crucial air travel hub in Southern California, solidifying its reputation within the dynamic aviation sector. Alan D. Wapner, the president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, underscored the significance of these numbers, crediting the trust of airline partners and passengers for this success. He emphasized that such growth is a testament to ONT's unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service and operational proficiency in a highly competitive market.

Boost in International Travel

The airport's performance is underpinned by a striking increase in international travelers. The mid-year statistics reveal that more than 346,000 travelers flew internationally from ONT, showcasing a noteworthy 46% rise compared to 2025. This uptick indicates a growing interest in Ontario as an international gateway and highlights the effectiveness of recent marketing and service expansion initiatives.

Domestic vs. International Passenger Breakdown

Passenger Type	June 2026	June 2025	Change	YTD 2026	YTD 2025	Change
----	---	---	--	--	--	--
Domestic (Total)	605,424	612,283	-1.1%	3,066,360	3,112,829	-1.5%
International	53,871	47,504	13.4%	346,219	237,669	45.7%
Total	659,295	659,787	-0.1%	3,412,579	3,350,498	1.9%

The domestic travel numbers remained stable overall, with only a slight decrease observed. However, the international growth suggests that more travelers are viewing Ontario as a viable option for their overseas journeys, likely supported by enhanced service offerings and better connectivity.

Cargo Operations on the Rise

Along with passenger volume growth, Ontario International Airport is also experiencing a surge in air cargo operations. In the same span, the airport processed over 428,000 tons of air cargo, representing a 7.6% increase compared to the previous year. The air freight sector alone saw significant growth, with nearly 11.2% growth in year-to-date figures for June.

Air Cargo Breakdown

Cargo Type	June 2026	June 2025	Change	YTD 2026	YTD 2025	Change
---	---	---	--	--	--	----
Freight	61,777	55,569	11.2%	368,923	331,703	11.2%
Mail	9,441	9,855	-4.2%	59,294	66,120	-10.3%
Total	71,219	65,423	8.0%	428,217	397,823	7.6%

The Airport Authority continues to highlight the strategic location and top-tier facilities of ONT, which bolster its capacity to serve both passengers and cargo effectively. The airport's adept handling of cargo emphasizes its importance not just as a travel hub but as a significant player in supporting regional economic growth and global supply chains.

Conclusion

As Ontario International Airport continues to cater to an increasing number of travelers and cargo operations, it reinforces its commitment to delivering superior service. Rated as the second most preferred mid-sized airport by J.D. Power, ONT is not just a vital travel hub but also a critical economic engine for the surrounding region. With ongoing improvements and a keen focus on expanding its services, Ontario International Airport is poised to forge ahead as a major player in the Southern California aviation landscape.

For more updates, follow @flyONT on social media.