Ontario International Celebrates Historic Passenger Milestones
In a remarkable accomplishment, Ontario International Airport (ONT) experienced its highest passenger count ever recorded for June, exceeding 659,000 travelers. This achievement reflects an upward trend in air travel through the airport. Additionally, ONT established a new single-month record for international travelers, showcasing its growing importance as a transportation hub.
Record Breaking Passenger Counts
The latest figures reveal that the June total exceeded the previous high from 2007 when 653,000 passengers transited through ONT. The surge in international travelers, which set a new record of over 47,500, outperformed the previous high of 45,012 established earlier this year. Such growth emphasizes the airport's increasing appeal to both domestic and international flyers.
Passenger Growth Insights
ONT reported an impressive 659,787 passengers for June 2025, marking the 52nd consecutive month of growth compared to the same month from the previous year. The growth trajectory saw a 1.1% increase from June 2024, with domestic passenger counts at 612,283, although they experienced a slight decline of 0.5%. In contrast, international travel surged by 27%, indicating a robust market for overseas air traffic.
Contribution of New Airlines
This remarkable growth in international travelers can be attributed, in part, to the new services initiated by STARLUX Airlines, which now operates four roundtrip flights per week between ONT and Taipei, Taiwan (TPE). This addition significantly bolsters the airport’s offerings and is anticipated to attract further international tourism.
Overall Passenger Figures for 2025
In the first half of the year, ONT reported over 3.3 million passengers, marking a 0.9% year-over-year increase. Domestic travel increased by 0.8% to 3.1 million passengers, while international travel rose by 2% to reach nearly 233,000. The consistent growth in passenger volume reinforces Ontario International's position as a key player among Southern California airports.
Comments from Airport Leadership
Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), expressed his pride regarding these achievements. He stated, "Seeing Ontario International set another record in June and maintain a strong momentum reflects the collective efforts of our airport community. It showcases the leadership vision that continues to drive ONT forward as a premier aviation gateway."
Air Cargo Performance
In tandem with passenger growth, ONT also experienced a significant rise in air cargo volume. In June, air cargo increased by 11.9% compared to the previous year, showcasing the airport's capacity in handling freight. The growth has been driven mainly by substantial U.S. mail volumes transported by carriers such as United Parcel Service (UPS).
Yearly Cargo Growth Metrics
From January to June, air cargo tonnage surged by 9.6%. Although freight volume saw a modest decline of 4.5%, mail shipments dramatically increased by 325%, evidencing shifts in shipping demands post-pandemic. Elkadi emphasized that ONT remains one of the top 10 cargo hubs in the U.S., ready to accommodate growing freight needs.
Future Expectations and Amenities
As the airport continues to expand its services, ONT is poised to offer world-class facilities to both passengers and freight services. With numerous nonstop commercial jet services available to major airports in the U.S. and parts of Asia, Ontario International Airport is committed to enhancing the travel experience through continuous service improvements.
About Ontario International Airport
ONT is recognized as California's leading mid-sized airport according to national passenger satisfaction studies. Strategically located approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, it serves as a bustling gateway to the Inland Empire. The airport provides nonstop service to popular destinations across the U.S. and select international locations.
Contact Information
For further details about Ontario International Airport, the media can reach out through the OIAA media contact Steve Lambert at (909) 841-7527.
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Ontario International Airport set in June?
ONT recorded its highest passenger total for June with over 659,000 travelers.
How many international travelers were recorded in June?
The airport set a new single-month record with more than 47,500 international passengers.
What contributed to the passenger growth?
The increase in international passengers was supported by new flights from STARLUX Airlines to Taiwan.
How has air cargo performance changed?
Air cargo volume increased by 11.9% in June, influenced by significant mail transport.
What is the overall trend for passenger growth?
ONT has experienced 52 consecutive months of year-over-year increases in passenger counts.
