Ontario International Airport passenger count approached 4.7 million over first eight months of 2026
ONTARIO, Calif., Sep 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Led by a 31% surge in international travel, Ontario International Airport (ONT) passenger volumes climbed to almost 4.7 million over the first eight months of the year—up 0.3% from the year before.
ONT served more than 450,000 international fliers during the first eight months, reflecting an increased number of flights to Taiwan and Mexico.
For the month of August, the Southern California gateway welcomed 606,000 air travelers, down 6.2% from August 2025 as airlines reduced capacity due to higher fuel prices.
"Ontario International continues to strengthen its position as Southern California's airport of choice, and the tremendous growth we're seeing in international travel is especially exciting," said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). "Travelers are choosing ONT for the convenience and ease we offer, the quality of our facilities and amenities, and a customer experience that ranks among the very best in North America. That combination continues to distinguish Ontario in an increasingly competitive aviation market."
Passenger Totals | Aug | Aug 2025 | Change | YTD 2026 | YTD 2025 | Change |
Domestic | 554,242 | 592,870 | -6.5 % | 4,236,849 | 4,330,657 | -2.2 % |
International | 52,567 | 53,977 | -2.6 % | 455,952 | 348,600 | 30.8 % |
Total | 606,809 | 646,847 | -6.2 % | 4,692,801 | 4,672,257 | 0.3 % |
The air carriers with the greatest passenger shares in August were:
- Southwest Airlines (35.3%)
- American Airlines (12.9%)
- Alaska Airlines (11.1%)
- Frontier Airlines (11.0%)
- Delta Air Lines (9.7%)
The recently released JD Power 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study ranked ONT highest of any California airport of any size with a score of 705 on a 1,000-point scale, the only airport in the Golden State to score above 700. Ontario International also ranked second among medium-size airports across North America.
Meanwhile, cargo volumes through ONT climbed 3.3% in August compared to a year ago, and are up 6.5% year-to-date.
Air cargo (tonnage) | Aug 2026 | Aug 2025 | Change | YTD | YTD 2025 | Change |
Freight | 60,795 | 58,382 | 4.1 % | 493,711 | 451,888 | 9.3 % |
10,549 | 10,658 | -1.0 % | 81,072 | 87,621 | -7.5 % | |
Total | 71,344 | 69,040 | 3.3 % | 574,783 | 539,508 | 6.5 % |
"Ontario International has long been one of the nation's most important air cargo hubs, and these numbers reinforce the critical role we play in the regional and national supply chain," Elkadi said. "Our world-class facilities, strategic location and outstanding airport partners have made ONT a preferred gateway for moving goods quickly and efficiently, and the continued growth in freight volumes speaks to the strength of that partnership."
About Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves more than 7 million passengers per year and offers nonstop service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. ONT is owned and operated by the Ontario International Airport Authority, a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the San Bernardino County. More information is available at flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X and Instagram
OIAA Media Contact:
Steve Lambert (909) 841-7527 [email protected]
SOURCE Ontario International Airport
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