Press Room

Posted on: Tue, 11/13/2018 - 15:31

Travelers drawn by new flights to international and East Coast cities

(Ontario, California – November 13, 2018)– An additional 20,000 passengers are expected to fly through Ontario International Airport during this year’s Thanksgiving and winter holiday travel seasons, and they will be delighted by the exciting improvements that have come to the airport since last year.

For the 11-day period beginning Friday, November 16, and concluding November 26, more than 162,000 air travelers are anticipated at ONT, an increase of 5% from the nearly 155,000 during the Thanksgiving holiday period a year ago. According to airport data, 85% of available airline seats are expected to be filled.

During the 18-day period from December 20 through January 6, it is estimated that nearly 258,000 passengers will travel through ONT, more than last year’s winter holidays when 245,000 air travelers chose Ontario.

“We have grown accustomed to welcoming more passengers every month and we are confident that those who choose Ontario for their holiday travel will be pleased with our improvements,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “We pride ourselves on being the fastest-growing airport in Southern California with the hassle-free experience and popular amenities that our customers deserve.”

Thorpe noted that the addition this year of new non-stop flights to New York, Florida and Taiwan and the recent multi-million dollar upgrades to ONT’s dining and retail concessions are helping to attract more air travelers and provide a positive airport experience.

Ontario passengers will enjoy new food and beverage concessions including Einstein Bros bagels, Rock & Brews restaurant, Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Wolfgang Puck’s WPizza, among other appealing dining options. Retail concessions underwent a similar transformation with the addition of Tech on the Go, Cali Market and Hudson, an iconic travel essentials and convenience outlet.

Popular valet parking service was added at Terminal 2 in May for those who drive themselves to ONT. More recently, digital displays were added in arrival areas to show arriving flight and baggage claim information, which helps avoid confusion for passengers and greeters. The brightly lit panels are displayed above baggage belts and are clearly visible from 30 yards.

“Our mission is to develop ONT into an additional gateway for Southern California air travel and the strong show of confidence among airlines and air passengers indicates we’re on the right track,” Thorpe said.

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About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International (ONT) Airport is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport with nonstop commercial jet service to 18 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan, and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There is an average of 64 daily departures offered by 8 air carriers. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com.

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