Ontario International Airport Sees Significant Passenger Growth in 2026

Ontario International Airport: A Growing Aviation Hub

Ontario International Airport (ONT) has reported an impressive influx of travelers in 2026, marking a significant milestone for the airport. Through the first nine months, nearly 5.3 million passengers have passed through its terminals, setting a pace for 7 million by the end of the year. This figure represents a 65% increase in passenger volumes since the airport transitioned to local control back in 2016.

Despite a slight decline in passenger numbers during September, where the airport witnessed a drop of 2.8% compared to the same month last year, the overall performance remains robust. The total traveler number for this September stood at over 582,000. The international passenger segment, however, is experiencing a healthy growth spurt, with an increase of nearly 28% compared to the previous year, underscoring a rising interest in international travel from the Southern California region.

Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, noted, "Although we faced a downturn in passenger numbers in September, the overall trend remains positive. The increase in international travel is particularly significant. Despite industry-wide pressures, such as rising fuel costs, we remain optimistic about our growth trajectory."

Passenger data reveal that domestic travelers accounted for 535,481 in September, compared to 554,651 the previous year, while international travelers rose to 46,834 from 44,435. Through the first three quarters of 2026, domestic travel is slightly down by 2.3%, whereas international travel has surged by 27.9%.

Notable Airlines and Cargo Operations

Among the airlines serving Ontario International Airport, Southwest Airlines leads with a 36.5% share of total passengers, followed by American Airlines at 12.4% and Frontier Airlines at 10.9%. The fluctuating nature of the travel industry is reflected in the capacity adjustments made by airlines in response to changing market conditions.

Alongside passenger travel, cargo operations have also seen encouraging growth. A total of 649,034 tons were shipped from the airport in the first nine months of the year, marking a 7.3% increase over the same period in 2025. September cargo numbers, particularly, show a striking uplift, with freight volumes rising 13.2% compared to last September.

Ontario International: Looking Ahead

As Ontario International approaches its tenth anniversary under local management, the authority is focused on expanding air service and enhancing passenger experiences. The airport recently earned accolades from J.D. Power, ranking as the second most popular mid-sized airport. With non-stop services available to over two dozen major airports across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan, ONT is well-positioned to cater to growing passenger and freight demands.

In summary, the surge in both passenger and cargo traffic at Ontario International Airport is a testament to its ongoing growth and appeal as an essential travel hub in Southern California. The airport's commitment to enhancing services for travelers and its response to industry challenges illustrate its resilience and capacity for expansion.