Press Room

Posted on: Tue, 08/15/2023 - 05:00

Surge in total passengers and international travelers continued for third straight month

(Ontario, California – August 15, 2023) – Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) extended its record-setting pace with a total passenger count of more than 582,000 in July, surpassing the previous high reached a month earlier, airport officials announced.

The popular gateway also recorded its highest number of international travelers in a single month ever, with more than 43,000.

The total passenger count of 582,575 in July was nearly 12% higher than July a year ago. The number of domestic passengers increased more than 7% to 539,024 while international air travel rose by 145% to 43,551.

Record high passenger totals had been reached in each of the two previous months, with volumes of 559,447 in June and 556,933 in May.

Over the first seven months of 2023, ONT’s passenger count was more than 3.5 million overall, an increase of 12.3%. Domestic and international volumes were 3.3 million and 219,000, increases of 9% and 102%, respectively.

“The recent traveler data is stunning to say the least and reflects the strong sense of confidence among our airline partners and customers,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer, Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “While other airports in the region might struggle to regain their position in the market, we at Ontario International continue to deliver a world class, hassle-free experience to travelers both living in and visiting the fast-growing Inland Empire, and the air travel market is responding positively.”

Passenger Totals	Jul 2023	Jul 2022	Change	YTD 2023	YTD 2022	Change
Domestic	539,024	502,630	7.24%	3,352,988	3,072,902	9.1%
International	43,551	17,717	145.81%	219,789	108,394	102.8%
Total	582,575	520,347	11.96%	3,572,777	3,181,296	12.3%

Commercial air cargo volumes continued to decrease in July, consistent with an ongoing worldwide slowdown, decreasing by 17% in July and 11.4% for the first seven months of the year.

Air cargo (tonnage)	Jul 2023	Jul 2022	Change	YTD 2023	YTD 2022	Change
Freight	52,911	63,897	-17.19%	391,342	444,510	-12.0%
Mail	3,448	4,269	-19.24%	31,173	32,377	-3.7%
Total	56,359	68,167	-17.32%	422,514	476,886	-11.4%

“Ontario International continues to play a critical role in the U.S. supply chain with expanded and modernized cargo facilities that serve the needs of our shipping partners well,” Elkadi said.

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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 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).