Ontario International Airport (ONT) has posted its strongest first-half passenger numbers since returning to local control in 2016, with more than 3.4 million travellers passing through its gates between January and June 2026. The 1.9% year-on-year increase underscores the airport’s growing appeal among airlines and passengers seeking an alternative to the congestion at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and other Southern California gateways.
Alan Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, credited the milestone to “exceptional customer service and operational excellence” at ONT. He noted that the airport’s strategic location — roughly 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles — and its modern facilities have made it a competitive option for both leisure and business travellers.
International traffic nearly doubles
International passenger volumes surged 45.7% to over 346,000 in the first half, driven by expanded service to Mexico and Central America. In June alone, ONT handled 65,929 international travellers. Southwest Airlines led all carriers with a 36.5% passenger share, followed by American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The airport currently offers nonstop flights to destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan, with China Airlines operating the Taipei route.
The international growth aligns with broader trends seen across the U.S. airport sector, where secondary hubs are capturing a larger slice of cross-border traffic. ONT’s performance mirrors the record border crossings reported in China, where 369 million crossings were recorded in H1 2026, reflecting a global rebound in international mobility.
Cargo volumes climb 7.6%
ONT also reinforced its position as a critical logistics node, processing more than 428,000 tonnes of air cargo in the first six months of 2026 — a 7.6% increase over the same period in 2025. Freight tonnage rose 11.2%, while mail volumes dipped slightly. June alone saw over 71,000 tonnes of cargo move through the airport.
The cargo growth comes as global supply chains continue to diversify, with airports like ONT and Glasgow Prestwick — which posted its seventh consecutive profit and quadrupled cargo volumes — benefiting from increased e-commerce and just-in-time logistics demand. ONT’s cargo infrastructure, including its on-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, has attracted major freight operators such as FedEx, UPS, and Amazon Air.
Ranked the second most popular mid-sized airport by J.D. Power, ONT now serves over 7 million passengers annually. The airport’s board has invested in terminal upgrades and expanded parking, including a contactless parking system similar to the one deployed at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. These improvements aim to maintain the high customer satisfaction scores that have made ONT a preferred gateway for Southern California travellers.
With the second half of 2026 expected to see continued demand — particularly during the peak summer and holiday seasons — ONT is well positioned to build on its record. The airport’s ability to attract new international routes and retain cargo business will be key to sustaining growth in a competitive market where airport investment across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East has reached $240 billion.
