Ontario International Airport launches year-long celebration of a decade of local control

"Reclaimed. Revived. Ready." campaign honors milestone in Inland Empire success story

ONTARIO, Calif., Nov. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ontario International Airport (ONT) this month begins a year-long celebration marking the 10th anniversary of its historic return to local control, a milestone that transformed the Inland Empire's role in Southern California aviation and economic growth.

Under the theme Reclaimed. Revived. Ready., ONT's "Celebrating a Decade of Local Control" campaign will include a year of community events, pop-ups, special merchandise, digital storytelling and surprise activations at the airport – all leading up to the official anniversary date of November 1, 2026.

"Ontario International Airport was in a downward spiral a decade ago, and local leaders took bold steps to bring it back home," said Alan D. Wapner, President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board and Ontario Mayor pro Tem. "Today, ONT is thriving – a vital economic engine for the Inland Empire and a source of pride for our entire region. This celebration is as much about our community as it is about the airport."

Since the airport's transfer from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to the Ontario International Airport Authority on November 1, 2016, ONT has reemerged as one of the fastest-growing airports in the nation. Passenger volume has increased more than 70% since local control began, and ONT now serves more than 7 million travelers annually, with nonstop flights to destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Asia.

"Since regaining local control, our mission has always been to build an airport that truly serves the people of this region," said Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of OIAA. "Through the vision of our Board, the dedication of our team and partners, and the trust of our travelers, ONT has become more than an airport; it's a symbol of Southern California's growth, resilience, and promise for the future."

Among the year's planned highlights will be "community pop-up" celebrations across the region, monthly "terminal pop-up" events in ONT's terminals, and collaborations with local businesses and artists. A new webpage – flyOntario.com/10 – offers a detailed look at the airport's journey, upcoming events and a chance to contribute your own photos and testimonials.

Also new is ONTo the Next Destination, the official blog of Ontario International Airport and a one-stop-shop for useful travel tips, vacation inspiration and updates on the great things happening at ONT.

"ONT's return to local control stands as one of the Inland Empire's great success stories," said San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, OIAA Board Vice President. "It shows what's possible when local leadership and community determination come together to make a difference."

For more information about ONT's "Celebrating a Decade of Local Control" campaign and upcoming events, visit flyOntario.com/10 or follow @flyONT on social media. To view ONT's new trailer video for the campaign, visit its official YouTube Channel.

About Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the second most popular mid-sized airport in the United States, 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 City Council Member 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).

OIAA Media Contact:
Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport