Ontario International Airport (ONT) has crossed a significant milestone, welcoming more than 4 million passengers in the first seven months of the year. The Southern California gateway reported 673,413 travelers in July alone, comprising 616,247 domestic and 57,166 international passengers. International traffic edged up 0.4% compared to July 2025, while year-to-date international volumes have surged 36.9%.
Atif Elkadi, CEO of Ontario International Airport, underscored the achievement amid broader headwinds in U.S. inbound travel. "More than 4 million passengers have already travelled through ONT this year, and our international passenger volume is up nearly 37%," Elkadi said. "This growth reflects ONT's role as a vital aviation gateway for Southern California and the Inland Empire."
Carrier mix and route expansion
Southwest Airlines continues to dominate ONT's passenger traffic, capturing a 34.4% share in July. American Airlines followed with 14.8%, Frontier Airlines at 11.9%, Alaska Airlines at 11.1%, and Delta Air Lines at 9.4%. The airport offers nonstop service to major U.S. hubs, as well as destinations in Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan, including China Airlines' link to Taipei.
The airport's growth aligns with broader trends in the region. As airport terminals evolve into human-centred spaces, ONT's focus on passenger experience has helped it rank as the second most popular mid-sized airport in J.D. Power's North America Airport Satisfaction Study.
Cargo and supply chain strength
Beyond passengers, ONT continues to solidify its position as a logistics hub. Air cargo volumes increased 7% year-to-date, with freight tonnage up 10% and mail tonnage down 8.4%. The airport's cargo operations serve as a critical link for e-commerce and global supply chains, complementing its passenger growth.
This dual strength in passenger and cargo traffic positions ONT well amid shifting dynamics in the U.S. aviation market. While international travel to the U.S. has faced challenges, ONT's diversified route network and operational efficiency have driven consistent gains.
Looking ahead, ONT's expansion plans and ongoing investments in terminal infrastructure aim to accommodate further growth. The airport's ability to attract both leisure and business travelers, along with its cargo capabilities, makes it a key player in the Southern California aviation landscape.
For travel professionals, ONT's performance offers a case study in mid-sized airport resilience. As larger gateways like Dulles undergo massive overhauls, ONT demonstrates that strategic route development and operational focus can drive substantial gains.
With more than 7 million passengers served annually, ONT is poised to continue its upward trajectory. The airport's leadership remains optimistic about sustaining growth, particularly in international markets, as it enhances connectivity and services for both passengers and cargo partners.
