Ontario International Airport (ONT) experienced a record-breaking month in July 2024, welcoming a surge in passenger numbers. The airport served a total of 666,322 travelers, marking a significant 14.4% increase compared to July 2023. This impressive figure represents the highest single-month passenger count since the airport transitioned to local control in 2016, nearing the peak of 693,000 passengers achieved in August 2007.
The majority of travelers, 629,000, were domestic, exhibiting a robust 16.7% rise from the previous July. Looking at the broader picture, ONT witnessed nearly 4 million travelers passing through its gates from January to July, signifying an 11.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This cumulative figure comprises 3.7 million domestic passengers and 270,000 international travelers, demonstrating impressive growth rates of 10.9% and 23%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
“Our consistent year-over-year growth, now spanning 41 months, reflects the strong preference for Ontario International Airport among both our airline partners and air travelers,” stated Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “Airlines are responding to the increasing demand for air travel in the Inland Empire by offering more seats to more destinations. This desirable region has experienced significant population growth in recent years, and the higher passenger volumes month after month clearly demonstrate this trend. Residents and visitors alike can rely on our world-class facilities, appealing retail and dining options, and our hallmark hassle-free customer experience,” Elkadi added.
In July, the airlines with the largest passenger shares were: [List of airlines and their passenger shares].
In addition to passenger traffic, commercial freight shipments also saw a notable increase in July, rising by 11.8% to over 59,000 tons. For the year to date, freight volumes have experienced a growth of nearly 4%, totaling over 406,500 tons. “Commercial freight volume surged significantly in July, while Ontario’s year-to-date performance continues to highlight our airport’s position as a hub of choice for shippers and cargo owners,” Elkadi emphasized.
The remarkable growth in both passenger and freight traffic at Ontario International Airport underscores its continued success as a vital transportation hub in the Inland Empire region. The airport’s commitment to providing a world-class experience, coupled with the region’s robust economic growth, suggests a promising future for ONT in the years to come.
