Ontario International Airport Sees Modest Passenger Growth in Early 2026
Ontario International Airport (ONT), a key gateway in Southern California, has reported steady growth in passenger volume for the first five months of 2026. The airport experienced a 0.4% increase in passenger numbers in May alone, with a total of 632,441 travelers. Notably, domestic travel accounted for 577,523 of these passengers, while international flyers surged dramatically by 41.5%, bringing their numbers close to 55,000. This trend reflects a growing preference among travelers for ONT as their choice airport.
Throughout the first five months of 2026, ONT welcomed more than 2.7 million passengers, a solid overall rise of 2.3% compared to the same timeframe in 2025. A significant aspect of this growth has been the influx of international passengers, which rose 53.7% to over 292,000, highlighting ONT's expanding global footprint. Domestic travel, although slightly down by 1.6% from the previous year, remained robust with 2.4 million passengers counted.
Atif Elkadi, the CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), stated, "ONT has spent the last decade proving what is possible when an airport remains focused on serving its community, its airline partners, and its passengers." This dedication is evident in the airport's ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience and adapt to the evolving needs of passengers.
While domestic airlines remain popular, the overall growth can be attributed to various factors, including increased international routes. In May, the dominant airlines for passenger numbers were Southwest Airlines at 35.7%, followed by American Airlines (14.0%), Delta Air Lines (10.9%), Frontier Airlines (10.1%), and Alaska Airlines (10.0%). This diverse offering ensures that travelers have numerous options when flying in and out of ONT.
In tandem with passenger growth, air cargo operations at Ontario International Airport have also seen an upswing. In May 2026, cargo tonnage rose by 4.7%, exceeding 73,500 tons, with freight shipments specifically increasing by 8.2% to over 63,000 tons. Year-to-date statistics indicate that total cargo tonnage increased by 7.4% to almost 357,000 tons, underscoring the airport's vital role in supporting supply chains and the local economy.
However, mail shipments have faced a decline, with a notable drop of 11.4% in year-to-date comparisons, showcasing fluctuations within this segment of airport operations. Nonetheless, the numbers remain promising in the overall context of air cargo growth.
Ontario International Airport consistently ranks among the top 10 airports in the United States for cargo operations, affirming its status as an essential transport hub. Recognized for its service excellence, ONT has been ranked the second most popular mid-sized airport by J.D. Power, serving over 7 million passengers annually with non-stop flights to myriad major airports across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan.
As ONT continues to evolve, it reflects the broader trends in air travel's recovery post-pandemic. The focus remains on enhancing customer experience, expanding routes, and maintaining competitive service—which are crucial for meeting the needs of today's progressively mobile population.
In closing, Ontario International Airport demonstrates a remarkable recovery trajectory, with its commitment to serve both its local community and the desires of travelers impressively documented in its recent figures. For more information or updates regarding flights, travelers are encouraged to visit flyOntario.com or follow @flyONT on social media platforms.
Throughout the first five months of 2026, ONT welcomed more than 2.7 million passengers, a solid overall rise of 2.3% compared to the same timeframe in 2025. A significant aspect of this growth has been the influx of international passengers, which rose 53.7% to over 292,000, highlighting ONT's expanding global footprint. Domestic travel, although slightly down by 1.6% from the previous year, remained robust with 2.4 million passengers counted.
Atif Elkadi, the CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), stated, "ONT has spent the last decade proving what is possible when an airport remains focused on serving its community, its airline partners, and its passengers." This dedication is evident in the airport's ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience and adapt to the evolving needs of passengers.
While domestic airlines remain popular, the overall growth can be attributed to various factors, including increased international routes. In May, the dominant airlines for passenger numbers were Southwest Airlines at 35.7%, followed by American Airlines (14.0%), Delta Air Lines (10.9%), Frontier Airlines (10.1%), and Alaska Airlines (10.0%). This diverse offering ensures that travelers have numerous options when flying in and out of ONT.
In tandem with passenger growth, air cargo operations at Ontario International Airport have also seen an upswing. In May 2026, cargo tonnage rose by 4.7%, exceeding 73,500 tons, with freight shipments specifically increasing by 8.2% to over 63,000 tons. Year-to-date statistics indicate that total cargo tonnage increased by 7.4% to almost 357,000 tons, underscoring the airport's vital role in supporting supply chains and the local economy.
However, mail shipments have faced a decline, with a notable drop of 11.4% in year-to-date comparisons, showcasing fluctuations within this segment of airport operations. Nonetheless, the numbers remain promising in the overall context of air cargo growth.
Ontario International Airport consistently ranks among the top 10 airports in the United States for cargo operations, affirming its status as an essential transport hub. Recognized for its service excellence, ONT has been ranked the second most popular mid-sized airport by J.D. Power, serving over 7 million passengers annually with non-stop flights to myriad major airports across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan.
As ONT continues to evolve, it reflects the broader trends in air travel's recovery post-pandemic. The focus remains on enhancing customer experience, expanding routes, and maintaining competitive service—which are crucial for meeting the needs of today's progressively mobile population.
In closing, Ontario International Airport demonstrates a remarkable recovery trajectory, with its commitment to serve both its local community and the desires of travelers impressively documented in its recent figures. For more information or updates regarding flights, travelers are encouraged to visit flyOntario.com or follow @flyONT on social media platforms.
Topics Travel）
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