Press Room

Posted on: Wed, 02/10/2021 - 10:09

(Ontario, California – February 1, 2021) – Ontario International Airport (ONT) is alerting passengers to new federal regulations requiring the wearing of facemasks at all airports – reinforcing safety measures ONT has had in place since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The regulations, which go into effect at 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 1, require “wearing a mask at all times in and on the airport, and failure to comply may result in removal and denial of re-entry.” The mandate further states that “refusing to wear a mask in or on the airport is a violation of federal law; individuals may be subject to penalties under federal law.”

Airlines already require the wearing of masks on all flights. Since March, ONT has had a similar requirement in place on all airport property – part of a series of protocols implemented to protect the health and safety of passengers, visitors and employees.

Other measures include:

·       Increasing the frequency and intensity of cleanings of restrooms and other public areas of passenger facilities, with handrails, door handles, arm rests, counter tops and other common surfaces as focal points for high-powered disinfectants.

·       Installing hand sanitizing stations throughout passenger terminals and other airfield facilities.

·       Incorporating floor markings and signage to promote social distancing.

·       Expanding the use of passenger screening trays treated with powerful antimicrobial technology to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the surface of the bins used by travelers at TSA checkpoints.

·       Updating sick leave and telecommuting policies to provide flexibility for employees and reassure any who might become ill or need to care for family at home.

Ontario Airport added self-serve kiosks of personal protective supplies in passenger terminals and a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site on Parking Lot 3 which is available to travelers and neighbors alike.

As a result of its proactive approach, ONT recently earned Airport Health Accreditation from the Montreal-based Airports Council International (ACI) World. ACI said ONT has “shown that it is providing a safe airport experience for all travelers which is in line with recommended health measures” and will “help reassure the traveling public that [ONT] facilities remain safe and that precautions are being taken to reduce any risk to their health.”

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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, before the coronavirus pandemic, offered nonstop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the U.S., Mexico 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 Council Member 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).