Spring numbers foreshadow busy summer travel season for Southern California gateway
(Ontario, California – May 16, 2023) – Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) in April posted its highest number of international passengers in a single month in the airport’s history, signaling the fast-growing gateway is in for a busy summer travel season.
More than 34,000 international air travelers moved through ONT last month, an increase of 138% over April a year ago. At the same time, ONT welcomed almost 500,000 domestic fliers, 7.5% more than last year.
Overall, passenger traffic rose 11.6% in April to more than 530,000, extending ONT’s run of double-digit increases.
Ontario officials also reported strong passenger figures on a year-to-date basis. The total number of air passengers increased 15% to 1.87 million, with the number of domestic travelers 12.6% higher at 1.76 million and international passengers up 85.7% to more than 104,000.
“At a time when many California airports are struggling to restore international services, Ontario is experiencing strong growth and we expect that trend to continue in the coming months,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer, Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “And while our terminals will continue to be busy, passengers can expect our popular and hassle-free experience with reasonably priced parking, easy access to terminals, clean and light-filled facilities, efficient security screening and first-rate dining options.”
| Passenger Totals | Apr 2023 | Apr 2022 | % Change | YTD 2023 | YTD 2022 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 496,298 | 461,300 | 7.59% | 1,769,206 | 1,571,080 | 12.6% |
| International | 34,435 | 14,441 | 138.45% | 104,569 | 56,300 | 85.7% |
| Total | 530,733 | 475,741 | 11.56% | 1,873,775 | 1,627,380 | 15.1% |
Shipments of commercial freight and mail totaled more than 58,000 tons, a decrease of 12.7%, consistent with industry trends. Over the first four months of the year, cargo volume declined nearly 10% to 243,000 tons compare with the same period last year.
| Air cargo (tonnage) | Apr 2023 | Apr 2022 | % Change | YTD 2023 | YTD 2022 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freight | 53,822 | 62,296 | -13.6% | 224,354 | 250,628 | -10.5% |
| 4,753 | 4,863 | -2.25% | 18,704 | 19,071 | -1.9% | |
| Total | 58,576 | 67,159 | -12.78% | 243,057 | 269,699 | -9.9% |
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 which offers nonstop commercial jet service to nearly 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, 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 Commissioners are Ontario City Councilmember 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).