Press Room
Ontario International Airport passenger volumes increased 138% in August compared to 2020
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August traffic climbs to 93% of pre-COVID level as recovery continues
(Ontario, California – September 16, 2021) – Ontario International Airport (ONT) continues to experience an impressive pandemic recovery, reporting strong year-over-year gains in August passenger volumes and inching to within 7% of pre-COVID levels.
More than 467,000 passengers traveled through the Southern California gateway during the month – 138% more than August last year and 93% of the passenger volume recorded in the same month in 2019, officials announced. ONT welcomed more than 454,000 domestic passengers and 13,600 international travelers during August. Year to date, total passenger volume was 2.6 million, 51% higher than the same period last year and within 72.5% of 2019 levels for the same eight-month period.
“Ontario International continued to experience a strong pandemic recovery in August, and we remain confident in our ability to attract air service and maintain Ontario’s status as a safe, attractive destination airport,” said Ronald O. Loveridge, vice president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) and retired mayor of the city of Riverside, Calif.
Passenger Totals | August 2021 | August 2020 | Change | YTD 2021 | YTD 2020 | Change |
Domestic | 454,022 | 193,142 | 135,07% | 2,539,079 | 1,649,497 | 53.9% |
International | 13,600 | 3,389 | 301.30% | 66,959 | 72,766 | -8.0% |
Total | 467,622 | 196,531 | 137.94% | 2,606,038 | 1,722,263 | 51.3% |
Passenger Totals | August 2021 | August 2019 | Change | YTD 2021 | YTD 2019 | Change |
Domestic | 454,022 | 478,782 | -5.17% | 2,539,079 | 3,392,696 | -25.2% |
International | 13,600 | 25,320 | -46.29% | 66,959 | 200,734 | -66.6% |
Total | 467,622 | 504,102 | -7.24% | 2,606,038 | 3,593,430 | -27.5% |
Air cargo (freight and mail) shipments in August totaled more than 68,000 tons, a decrease of 8.3% compared to the same month in 2020 but an increase of 1.6% compared to the same month in 2019. Over the first eight months of the year, air cargo – more than 543,000 tons – declined 2.7% from the same period a year ago but increased 15.6% compared to 2019.
Air cargo (tonnage) | August 2021 | August 2020 | Change | YTD 2021 | YTD 2020 | Change |
Freight | 64,316 | 72,261 | -11.0% | 543,571 | 575,947 | -5.6% |
3,881 | 2,096 | 85.16% | 30,157 | 13,607 | 121.6% | |
Total | 68,198 | 74,358 | -8.28% | 573,728 | 589,554 | -2.7% |
Air cargo (tonnage) | August 2021 | August 2019 | Change | YTD 2021 | YTD 2019 | Change |
Freight | 64,316 | 65,514 | -1.83% | 543,571 | 479,145 | 13.4% |
3,881 | 1,587 | 144.58% | 30,157 | 16,950 | 77.9% | |
Total | 68,198 | 67,101 | 1.63% | 573,728 | 496,094 | 15.6% |
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“Ontario International continues to be a tremendous public asset for the Inland Empire as a safe, convenient and low-cost destination airport, as well as a spacious, modern hub for commercial freight activity,” Loveridge added.
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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 Mayor Pro Tem 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).
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 Mayor Pro Tem 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).