Press Room

Posted on: Wed, 08/14/2019 - 07:48

(Ontario, California – August 14, 2019) – The number of commercial air passengers who traveled through Ontario International Airport (ONT) in July increased by more than 10% compared to July 2018, continuing a trend of strong, steady growth at the nation’s fastest-growing airport. 

The total number of passengers grew to nearly 495,000, an increase of 10.4%. Almost 468,000 were domestic passengers while international travelers totaled nearly 27,000, increases of 10.1% and 15.7%, respectively, according to the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA).

In July, Ontario Airport also surpassed the 3 million passenger mark for the year, a 7% increase over the first seven months of last year. From January through July, domestic passenger volume topped 2.9 million, an increase of 5.4% over the same period a year ago while the number of international travelers grew by nearly 50% to more than 175,000.

“Ontario continues to be a magnet for commercial air service for domestic and international passengers in the greater Los Angeles area,” said Mark Thorpe, OIAA chief executive officer. “We are heartened by the positive responses of our customers to our ongoing efforts to create an appealing international aviation gateway for Southern California, one which meets the needs of business and leisure travelers alike.”

This summer daily, nonstop service has been added to popular aviation hubs in Atlanta, Houston and San Francisco.

Air cargo shipments, meanwhile, grew modestly in July by nearly 2% to more than 64,000 tons. During the first seven months of the year, cargo volume totaled almost 429,000 tons, up 3.4% from the same period last year.

Said Alan D. Wapner, OIAA President: “Along with our strong passenger numbers, the continued growth in cargo reaffirms how important ONT is to our region’s economy. Having a great airport has helped the Inland Empire become a global center for e-commerce, and an emerging hub for healthcare, technology and advanced manufacturing – creating jobs and economic opportunity for the region as a whole.”

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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 with nonstop commercial jet service to 21 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan, and connecting service to many domestic and international destinations. There is an average of 67 daily departures offered by nine 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 City Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Commissioner) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).