Press Room

Posted on: Thu, 05/15/2025 - 12:00

(Ontario, California – May 15, 2025) – Southwest Airlines Flight #1411 from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) was set for an on-time departure Thursday like any other day, but it wasn’t just another day. Thursday was the 40-year anniversary of the carrier’s ONT service when it first connected the Inland Empire to Southwest’s route map by way of the popular Arizona city.

Southwest has since grown into the largest airline operating at ONT, offering more than 230 weekly departures. And that was cause for celebration at Gate 403 today.

“The partnership between Southwest and Ontario has endured for decades as our organizations transformed our respective areas of the aviation industry, and we’ll treasure that friendship for decades to come,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario international Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. “Southwest has revolutionized air travel just as our popular airport has transformed air travel in Southern California. Together, we offer easy and affordable access to popular destinations in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.”

“While other carriers have fallen in and out of love with California, Southwest has enjoyed a faithful relationship with the Golden State and with the Inland Empire throughout these 40 years,” said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines chief operating officer. “Grateful congratulations are in order to ONT, as well, for partnering throughout four decades to facilitate the excellence of our employees in serving your travelers.” 

Since its debut in 1985 with five daily departures to Phoenix, Southwest has become ONT’s largest airline partner, serving 36% of the airport’s passengers last year. Next month, Southwest will add Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to its ONT network, increasing the number of nonstop destinations to 12.

As Southwest’s schedule and network have grown so has ONT which is the fastest growing among medium- and large-size airports in California.

“We couldn’t be happier to join the Southwest family in marking this significant milestone and congratulate them on their 40^th anniversary here,” said Atif Elkadi, the OIAA’s chief executive officer. “Our airport’s success relies on the long-term success and confidence of our airline partners who count on us to provide world-class facilities, services and amenities that appeal to air travelers. Our leadership and staff are pleased to see Southwest succeed year after year and proud of the role our airport plays.”

Meanwhile, back at Gate 403, Flight #1411 and its passengers were feted prior to boarding with Southwest-themed décor, music, beverages and desserts. The festivities included a game of trivia with prizes for ticketed travelers and a raffle giveaway including a pair of roundtrip Southwest tickets. 

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About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California's most popular mid-sized airport, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. 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. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram

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 leaders include Ontario Mayor pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).