Ontario International Airport (ONT) experienced a significant boost in both passenger numbers and freight shipments in March, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth. The airport saw a 2.7% increase in passenger volumes compared to March last year, welcoming 574,819 travellers. This growth was driven by a 55.2% surge in international travel, with 60,042 international passengers recorded.
In the first quarter of 2026, ONT served over 1.5 million passengers, a 4.1% rise from the same period in 2025. Domestic travel remained steady at 1.3 million, whilst international passenger numbers increased by 58.4% to 181,854. Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, attributed the growth to the confidence of airline partners and passengers in ONT's commitment to quality service.
Freight shipments also saw a notable increase, with March figures showing a 15.3% rise in air freight tonnage. Overall, cargo tonnage grew by 11.6% in March, whilst year-to-date figures showed a 12.7% increase in freight and a 9.2% rise in total cargo tonnage. Elkadi noted that the continued growth in air freight activity highlights the airport's expanding economic impact in the region.
The airport's top carriers in March included Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Despite uncertainties such as rising fuel costs, ONT remains focused on maintaining reliable schedules and strong service levels. Located 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, ONT continues to be a key player in Southern California's aviation landscape
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