Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) achieved a significant milestone in June, as it witnessed a record-breaking number of passengers, surpassing the previous month’s record.
The airport authority proudly announced that over 559,000 travelers passed through ONT, demonstrating a thriving demand for air travel in the region.
A record month
This exceptional figure also included an impressive count of more than 37,000 international travelers, marking the highest number of international passengers in a single month ever recorded at ONT.
In comparison to June of the previous year, the total passenger count for June witnessed a remarkable 8.7% increase.
Domestic passenger numbers experienced a 5% growth, reaching 522,000 passengers, while international air travel more than doubled, soaring to 37,000 passengers.
This extraordinary surge in passenger volume not only exceeded expectations but also solidified ONT’s position as a bustling aviation gateway.
The previous record for total passengers in a single month since the airport’s transition to local ownership in 2016 was set in May 2023 when 557,000 passengers traveled through ONT.
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However, the June figures surpassed this milestone, emphasizing the airport’s continued growth and popularity among travelers.
During the first six months of the year, ONT witnessed a substantial increase in total passenger volume. Nearly 3 million passengers traveled through the airport, marking a 12.4% growth compared to the first half of 2022.
These numbers included 2.8 million domestic travelers and 176,000 international passengers, showcasing respective increases of 9.5% and an impressive 94.4%.
OIAA CEO statement
Atif Elkadi, the chief executive officer of Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), stated, “Since taking ownership of the airport, our goal has been to create an international gateway for Southern California with the amenities, facilities, and services befitting the region.”
He expressed his delight at the strong demand for air travel through Ontario, which has consistently outperformed other airports in California.
“This success can be attributed to the significant population growth and employment opportunities across the region,” he said.
Southern California’s ONT is strategically positioned to cater to the travel needs of ten million residents who live or work in closer proximity to it than any other airport.
Moreover, eight out of the ten fastest-growing cities in California, with a population of over 100,000, fall within ONT’s primary service area. These statistics highlight the airport’s prominence in serving a vast and rapidly expanding demographic.
Freight and cargo
Although commercial freight and mail volumes experienced a decline of 14% in June and 10% year-to-date, this trend aligns with the global decrease in cargo volume, as predicted by industry analysts.
Nevertheless, Elkadi emphasized ONT’s continued significance in the U.S. supply chain, despite the overall slowdown in freight movement worldwide. The airport’s modernized and expanded cargo facilities remain integral to supporting shippers serving Southern California.
Summary
Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Southern California set a record in June for passenger volume, with over 559,000 travelers passing through. This includes more than 37,000 international travelers, the highest number recorded in a single month at ONT.
The total passenger count for June was 8.7% higher than the previous year, with domestic passengers increasing by 5% and international air travel more than doubling.
ONT’s strong performance reflects its position as an international gateway for Southern California, driven by population and job growth in the region.
The airport serves ten million Southern Californians, and eight of the ten fastest-growing cities in California are in ONT’s primary service area.
Commercial freight and mail volumes experienced a decline, in line with global cargo volume trends, but ONT remains a vital part of the U.S. supply chain.
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