Total passenger volume up nearly 70% since return of airport to local control in 2016

(Ontario, California – February 26, 2026) – Ontario International Airport (ONT) officials reported a 3.7% increase in passenger volume in January fueled by a record number of international travelers and expressed optimism for the year ahead given the airport’s continued strong growth since its return to local control in 2016.

Air travelers who chose the Southern California gateway totaled almost 493,000 in January, a month which included the launch of new daily nonstop service between ONT and Boise, Idaho, on Alaska Airlines.

Ontario’s international volume soared by 64% to more than 66,000, the highest in the history of the airport. The previous single-month record of 63,009 was set in December 2025. Domestic passenger count was more than 426,000, a slight decrease of 1.9%.

“We closed out 2025 on a high note with more than 7.1 million passengers for the year and we are encouraged by our start in 2026,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “Our passenger level last month was the highest for any January since the airport’s return to local ownership in 2016. Over those 10 years, passenger volume has grown almost 70%, which shows that Ontario has become a premier gateway for air travel in Southern California, delivering a first-rate customer experience with services and facilities to match.”

The air carriers with the greatest passenger shares in January were:

1. Southwest Airlines (34.6%)
2. American Airlines (15.6%)
3. Alaska Airlines (10.9%)
4. Delta Air Lines (9.1%)
5. United Airlines (8.7%)

Air cargo grew overall by 5.5% in January with commercial freight up by 9.3%. Mail volume declined by 12.6%.

“The significant increase in commercial freight tonnage was certainly another bright spot for January,” Elkadi said, likely a reflection of increased air cargo shipments nationally which may be temporary.

“Ontario is a top 10 hub for air cargo with ample capacity to handle more freight at a moment’s notice, and our shipping partners understand that they will receive outstanding customer service and benefit greatly from our world class facilities.”