Passenger demand and air freight activity continue to gain traction at Ontario International Airport (ONT), reinforcing its position as a key aviation gateway in Southern California. Newly released data from the Ontario International Airport Authority confirms that March 2026 marked the fourth consecutive month of passenger growth, alongside a robust surge in cargo operations.
Steady Climb in Passenger Traffic
The airport handled 574,819 passengers in March, reflecting a 2.7 percent increase compared to the same month last year. Domestic travel accounted for 514,777 passengers, while international volumes reached 60,042—an impressive 55.2 percent year-on-year rise, highlighting the airport’s expanding global connectivity.
The upward trend is even more evident in quarterly figures. During the first three months of 2026, ONT welcomed more than 1.54 million travellers, representing a 4.1 percent increase over the same period in 2025. While domestic traffic remained largely stable at approximately 1.36 million passengers, international travel surged by 58.4 percent to 181,854 यात्रियों, signalling growing demand for cross-border routes.
Airline Mix Reflects Competitive Strength
ONT’s passenger base continues to be supported by a diverse mix of major carriers. Southwest Airlines led the market in March with a 37.5 percent share, followed by American Airlines (17.2 percent), Alaska Airlines (10.2 percent), United Airlines (9.5 percent) and Delta Air Lines (8.6 percent).
This balanced airline presence has helped the airport maintain steady growth while offering travellers a broad network of domestic and international connections.
Air Freight Surges in Double Digits
Alongside passenger gains, ONT is witnessing sustained expansion in cargo operations—an increasingly vital component of airport economics. Total air cargo volumes rose by 11.6 percent in March to 75,193 tons. Within this, commercial freight recorded a strong 15.3 percent increase, while mail shipments declined by 7.5 percent.
Year-to-date figures further underscore this momentum. Total cargo tonnage surpassed 208,000 tons in the first quarter, marking a 9.2 percent increase compared to the previous year. Freight volumes alone grew by 12.7 percent, highlighting ONT’s strengthening role as a logistics hub in the Inland Empire region.
Confidence Amid Uncertain Outlook
Airport leadership attributes the continued growth to strong partnerships with airlines and a consistent focus on passenger experience. Atif Elkadi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority, emphasised that the sustained increase in passenger numbers reflects both airline confidence and customer satisfaction.
At the same time, he acknowledged potential headwinds, including rising fuel costs that could impact the aviation sector in the months ahead. Despite these uncertainties, ONT is prioritising operational reliability, service quality and schedule stability—factors increasingly critical in a competitive travel environment.
Strengthening Regional Economic Impact
The steady rise in cargo volumes is particularly significant for the regional economy. As one of the fastest-growing logistics corridors in the United States, Southern California relies heavily on efficient air freight infrastructure. ONT’s continued double-digit growth in freight activity positions it as a key contributor to supply chain efficiency and economic development.
A Strategic Gateway in Southern California
Located approximately 35 miles east of Los Angeles, Ontario International Airport serves as a major alternative to the region’s larger, more congested hubs. Its ability to combine operational efficiency with expanding connectivity has made it increasingly attractive to both airlines and travellers.
Ranked among the most popular mid-sized airports in the United States in recent passenger satisfaction studies, ONT continues to build its reputation as a traveller-friendly gateway offering access to destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America and Asia.
Looking Ahead
With consistent passenger growth, expanding international demand and a thriving cargo business, Ontario International Airport is well-positioned for continued momentum in 2026. While external challenges remain, the airport’s strategic focus on service excellence and partnership-driven growth is helping it navigate an evolving aviation landscape.
