Southern California’s Ontario International Airport Continues to Shine with Robust 3.7% Passenger Growth and an Unprecedented Surge in Global Travelers!

Ontario International Airport (ONT) has marked a positive start to 2026 with a 3.7% rise in passenger volume in January, signaling strong growth for the Southern California gateway. This increase is fueled by a record number of international travelers, with Ontario reporting a 64% jump in international passenger traffic, reaching an all-time high of 66,281 international travelers. This milestone highlights ONT’s growing appeal as a preferred travel hub in the region.

As we enter the new year, Ontario International Airport’s solid performance reflects its steady rise in passenger traffic since its return to local control in 2016. With nearly 493,000 passengers choosing Ontario for their air travel in January, the airport has demonstrated a continued upward trend. January’s performance marks the highest passenger numbers for the month in the airport’s history since being taken over by the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) 10 years ago.

RECORD GROWTH IN INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER VOLUME

Ontario International Airport’s international traffic surge has been one of the standout features of its growth. The 64% increase in international passengers in January was a major contributor to the overall rise in passenger volume. The launch of new daily nonstop flights between Ontario and Boise, Idaho, by Alaska Airlines has added to the airport’s appeal, broadening its reach to new destinations.

The strong performance in international traffic aligns with Southern California’s increasing demand for global travel connections. As the region’s tourism and business sectors continue to thrive, the growth in international flights reinforces Ontario International Airport’s role as a critical travel gateway for the region.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL REMAINS STRONG

Despite the impressive rise in international traffic, Ontario’s domestic passenger count saw a slight decrease of 1.9% compared to the same period last year. Domestic travelers totaled 426,614 in January 2026. However, the overall decline in domestic traffic is minor compared to the explosive growth in international demand, suggesting a shift towards more global connections and an enhanced appeal of the airport’s international services.

The drop in domestic numbers does not overshadow the fact that Ontario continues to be an attractive airport for both leisure and business travelers. With its wide array of air carriers and convenient access to Southern California’s Inland Empire, the airport has solidified its position as a prime destination for air travel.

AIRLINE LEADERSHIP AND PASSENGER DISTRIBUTION

The airlines that led the way in terms of passenger share at Ontario International Airport in January 2026 were:

• Southwest Airlines: 34.6%
• American Airlines: 15.6%
• Alaska Airlines: 10.9%
• Delta Air Lines: 9.1%
• United Airlines: 8.7%

These figures underscore Southwest Airlines’ significant influence at the airport, reflecting its continued dominance in the U.S. domestic travel market. Alaska Airlines’ expansion into new markets, such as Boise, indicates its growing importance in both domestic and international services at the airport.

AIR CARGO UP 5.5%

Ontario International Airport’s air cargo division also saw a promising boost, with a 5.5% overall growth in January 2026. This was largely driven by a 9.3% increase in commercial freight, signaling a growing demand for air shipping services. Although mail volume decreased by 12.6%, the overall uptick in freight highlights the airport’s increasing importance as a logistics hub.

Ontario is ranked as one of the top 10 air cargo hubs in the U.S., and the 9.3% increase in commercial freight tonnage underscores its capacity to handle large volumes of goods. The airport is well-equipped to manage even greater cargo loads, making it a critical node for logistics companies across the country.

FUTURE OUTLOOK AND STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

Looking ahead, Ontario International Airport’s future remains optimistic. The airport’s local control has led to improvements in facilities and services, reinforcing its status as a top-tier travel hub. With continued investments in infrastructure and an expanding range of services, ONT is poised to handle increasing passenger and cargo demands.

The airport’s strategic location in Southern California, just 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, positions it as a convenient choice for travelers in the region. Its world-class services, including streamlined security processes and customer service, further enhance its appeal to both international and domestic travelers.

As Ontario International Airport continues to grow, it will play an increasingly central role in the region’s economy. The rise in international travel, in particular, is expected to have a significant impact on Southern California’s tourism industry, boosting both leisure and business travel.

Ontario International Airport’s impressive growth in passenger traffic and air cargo during January 2026 marks a strong beginning to the year. With increasing international traffic and expanding air service options, ONT continues to emerge as a premier gateway for Southern California. As the airport strengthens its global connections, it will undoubtedly attract more travelers, supporting the broader regional economy and further solidifying Ontario’s place in the global air travel network.

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