Ontario International Airport (ONT) enjoyed a bustling August, reporting a significant 13.4% increase in passenger volume compared to the same period last year. This surge was fueled by the strong demand for summer travel in Southern California, with a total of 643,472 travelers passing through the airport’s gates. Domestic travel led the charge, experiencing a remarkable 15.4% growth, reaching 608,360 passengers. International travel, however, saw a slight decline of 12.6% with 35,112 passengers.
Looking at the bigger picture, ONT has welcomed an impressive 4.6 million passengers in the first eight months of 2024, marking an 11.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by domestic travel, which saw a 11.5% rise, reaching 4.3 million passengers. International travel also showed positive momentum, increasing by 17.5% to 305,267 passengers.
The CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), Atif Elkadi, expressed his satisfaction with the continued strong demand for travel through ONT, particularly among domestic passengers. He highlighted the growing Inland Empire region and its impact on airline expansion, with more flights and destinations catering to the needs of residents.
ONT’s success extends beyond passenger traffic. Cargo shipments also saw a positive trend, rising by 9.5% in August, reaching a total of 68,404 tons. This reinforces ONT’s position as a major cargo hub in North America. On a year-to-date basis, cargo volume grew by 1.9%, reaching 494,098 tons compared to 484,962 tons in 2023.
“We are pleased with the steady recovery of cargo operations and maintaining our status as a Top 10 cargo hub in North America,” stated Elkadi. These positive developments showcase ONT’s strong performance and its position as a key transportation hub for Southern California.
