Ontario International Airport (ONT) passenger volume increased by more than 12% in November and 11% over the first 11 months of the year, airport authority officials announced.
November Overview
Ontario International experienced a substantial boost in passenger traffic during November, witnessing a remarkable 12.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
This surge was fueled by the arrival of 575,877 passengers, showcasing the airport’s growing popularity among travelers.
Domestic and International Travel Trends
Breaking down the numbers, the surge included 535,507 domestic and 40,370 international travelers.
Domestic travel marked an 8.9% increase, reflecting the confidence of local travelers in the airport’s services.
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Astonishingly, international travel experienced an exponential 98.9% surge, underscoring ONT’s growing global connectivity.
Year-to-Date: A Sky-High Overview
If we pull back to a broader perspective covering the first 11 months of the year, ONT has welcomed over 5.8 million passengers. The breakdown of this impressive figure reveals 5.5 million domestic fliers and 374,000 international travelers.
The cumulative passenger count for the year boasts an impressive 11.7% growth compared to the same period in 2022.
Domestic Dominance and International Rise
The domestic travel sector contributed significantly to this triumph, registering an 8.1% increase in volume over the first 11 months of 2023.
Meanwhile, the international segment witnessed an extraordinary doubling of passenger numbers, emphasizing the airport’s expanding role on the global stage.
CEO Atif Elkadi’s Perspective
Atif Elkadi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Ontario International continues to show strong and steady passenger growth.”
Elkadi highlighted the airport’s exceptional performance, revealing that by the last week of November, ONT had already surpassed the total passenger count for the entire year in 2022.
This remarkable achievement underscores the unwavering confidence of both airline partners and travelers in the airport’s facilities, services, and amenities.
“We look forward to closing out 2023 with record-breaking volumes,” Elkadi affirmed, signaling a positive outlook for the airport’s future growth trajectory.
Cargo Challenges: A Softening Trend
While passenger volumes are soaring, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges in the air cargo sector. Freight and mail shipments, totaling 68,000 tons in November, reported a 7% decline compared to the previous year.
On a year-to-date basis, ONT’s cargo volume amounted to 672,000 tons, indicating an 11.8% decrease over the first 11 months of 2022.
This tends to fall in line with global trends in air cargo, as the sector continued to battle with generally softer demand amid world socio-economic considerations.
Global Economic Impact on Air Cargo
Elkadi attributed the decline in air cargo volume to broader economic and shipping trends worldwide.
This downturn serves as a reminder that the aviation industry is not immune to global economic shifts, and resilience and adaptability are crucial in navigating these challenges.
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 which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan
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