#USA #Ontario #Ontario Airport #passenger travel #Thanksgiving 2025

Ontario International Airport Expects Record Thanksgiving Travel

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is gearing up for an unprecedented holiday season, predicting that over 234,000 passengers will pass through its gates during the Thanksgiving travel period, which spans from November 21 to December 1, 2025. This figure represents a significant 4% increase over last year, reflecting the continuous growth of air travel demand in Southern California.

With airlines responding to this demand, ONT will benefit from 9% more seats available than in the prior year, making it easier for travelers to reach their holiday destinations. This year's busiest travel days are anticipated to be Sunday, November 30, forecasted to see 24,696 travelers, followed closely by Wednesday, November 26, with 23,634, and Monday, December 1, expecting 23,390 passengers.

Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), expressed gratitude for the cooperative efforts among federal partners, airlines, and the community. He emphasized the airport's commitment to providing a reliable, world-class travel experience for passengers. Elkadi stated, "We are excited to welcome nearly a quarter million passengers this holiday season and look forward to maintaining strong flight schedules through the year's end, serving our community with pride."

The projected passenger volume not only aims to meet but exceed the previous Thanksgiving travel high of nearly 225,000 set in 2024. This momentum sets the airport on course to welcome over 7 million air travelers by the end of the year, a milestone that reflects a thriving local aviation sector. As of October 2025, ONT welcomed around 5.9 million passengers, which is a modest increase of 0.6% compared to the same period last year. Notably, international travel saw a notable spike with a 21% increase, while domestic travel experienced a slight decline of 0.7%.

Despite a slight dip in passenger numbers during October, where 639,598 passengers traveled through the airport—a decrease of 0.5% from October 2024—the outlook remains optimistic. The annual trend indicates that Ontario International remains a top choice for air travel in the region, and the airport is eager to close the year on a high note.

Elkadi also noted, "We're looking towards setting a new record for annual passenger volume since the return of the airport to local control in 2016. This underscores Ontario's status as a key transportation hub in Southern California." The anticipation of record-breaking numbers reflects not just a revival of travel post-pandemic but also the community's support for the airport's operations.

Aside from passenger travel, ONT also reported a decline in air cargo tonnage by 8.3% in October, yet it remains in positive territory year-to-date with a 6.2% increase overall compared to the previous year. This includes a remarkable 156% increase in mail volume, showcasing the airport’s importance in logistics as well.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Ontario International Airport stands ready to welcome travelers with enhanced services and facilities, ensuring each passenger’s journey is enjoyable. For the latest updates and services, travelers can visit the airport’s official website at www.flyOntario.com and follow ONT on social media platforms.

In conclusion, with record passenger numbers expected and a strong community backing, Ontario International Airport is poised for a thriving Thanksgiving holiday season, reaffirming its status as a vital gateway for Southern California and beyond.