Traveler count continued strong in September

(Ontario, California – October 16, 2023) – Ontario International Airport (ONT) recorded an 11.6% increase in passenger volume during the first nine months of 2023, including a 7.6% year-over-year jump in September, airport officials announced.

The Southern California aviation gateway welcomed nearly 4.7 million passengers from January through September. Domestic fliers totaled 4.4 million and international travelers more than 296,000, increases of 8% and 116% over prior year.

For September, Ontario welcomed 556,000 passengers, almost 40,000 more than the same month last year. The number of domestic passengers increased almost 3.5% to 520,000 while international travelers rose 151% to 36,000.

“Passenger volumes continued to be robust in September and over the first nine months of the year, making Ontario the envy of airport operators across the region,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer, Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “The steady increases in passenger volume and customer satisfaction surveys show what many of us already knew – Ontario International is California’s favorite airport.”

Just last month, Ontario earned the highest score among California airports in the prestigious J.D. Power 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study of more than 27,000 U.S. and Canadian residents, which rated North American airports on six factors: terminal facilities, airport arrival/departure, baggage claim, security check, check-in/baggage check, and food, beverage and retail.

Commercial cargo shipments decreased 16% in September and 12% on a year-to-date basis, reflecting a trend of lower cargo volumes at U.S. airports.

“While global economic forces continue to impact cargo volumes at U.S. airports, our shipping partners can count on our first-rate cargo facilities when cargo shipments return to historical levels,” Elkadi said.