Press Room

Ontario International Airport poised to set all-time high for Thanksgiving travel

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(Ontario, California – November 19, 2024) – Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) will set a new record for Thanksgiving holiday travel this year, surpassing the previous high reached last year.

 

The number of air travelers during the 11-day travel period beginning Friday, November 22 and concluding Monday, December 2, is forecast to reach 225,000, 5.8% more than last year.

 

The busiest travel days at the Inland Empire gateway will be:

  • Sunday, December 1 (23,818)

  • Sunday, November 24 (22,465)

  • Monday, November 25 (22,448)

 

“At Ontario International Airport, we're excited to open our doors to a record number of travelers this Thanksgiving, setting a new milestone that reflects our growth and the trust our passengers place in us," said Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority. "We’re ready to deliver our signature hassle-free experience to each and every traveler, ensuring that their journey is as smooth, warm, and welcoming as the holiday season itself.”

 

Based on current schedules, airlines are offering more than 280,000 seats on arriving and departing flights at ONT, 7.5% more than a year ago.

 

Thanksgiving 2024

Estimated

Passengers

Versus

2023

Total Seats

Versus 2023

 

224,809

+5.8%

280,766

+7.5%

 

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, airport officials encourage travelers to plan ahead, give themselves plenty of time on the day of travel, and, if they don’t have TSA PreCheck, to take advantage of the new CLEAR/TSA PreCheck expedited registration service available in both terminals.

 

“We remain grateful for the confidence our airline partners and air travelers continue to show in our facilities and services, and we are ready to greet passengers in greater numbers as the fall and winter holidays approach,” Elkadi said.

 

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About Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is California's most popular mid-sized airport, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. 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 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, X (formerly 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 leaders include Ontario City Council Member Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).