Press Room

Posted on: Thu, 12/20/2018 - 09:03

Officials expect more than 250,000 travelers during holiday period

(Ontario, California – December 20, 2018) – Recently named the fastest growing airport in the United States, Ontario International Airport (ONT) recorded double-digit growth in passenger volume in November.

The number of passengers who traveled through ONT in November was more than 456,000, an increase of 11.2% over the same month last year. Nearly 432,000 were domestic passengers and more than 24,000 were international travelers. Domestic travel was nearly 8% higher while international passenger volume increased more than 142%. 

From January through November, ONT welcomed more than 4.6 million customers, nearly 13% more than the first 11 months of last year. The number of domestic and international travelers grew by more than 11% and 61%, respectively. Ontario is on pace to receive more than 5 million passengers this year, the highest level since 2008.

“The November figures show that airlines and air passengers continue to be highly confident in Ontario,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “We have worked tirelessly in 2018 to anticipate the needs of our customers and provide the facilities, services and amenities they deserve. Delivering a first-rate, hassle-free experience that meets expectations month after month has been the key to our success.”

Shipments of air cargo rose to almost 65,000 tons in November, an increase of 5.6% over November last year. On a year-to-date basis, cargo volume grew to more than 675,800 tons, 16% higher than the same month in 2017.

Ontario officials anticipate almost 253,000 airline passengers will utilize ONT during the holiday travel period which begins today and concludes January 6.

Meanwhile, several airlines have already announced plans for new Ontario service in 2019.

United Airlines said this week it will launch new daily service to Houston in June. Delta Airlines previously announced daily nonstop service to its Atlanta hub beginning in April while Southwest Airlines will offer four flights a day to San Francisco starting in June. Southwest will also add one flight Monday through Friday to Denver.

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About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport with nonstop commercial jet service to 19 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan, and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There is an average of 67 daily departures offered by nine air carriers. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com.

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About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)

The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA Commissioners are Ontario Mayor Pro-Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

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