More than 5.1 million airline passengers moved through Ontario International Airport (ONT) in 2018, the highest annual total since 2008. The airport has added nearly 900,000 passengers since its transition to local control in late 2016 when more than 4.2 million flew through ONT.
For calendar year 2018, ONT welcomed 5,115,894 air travelers, an increase of 12.4% over the 2017 total of 4,552,702. Domestic passenger volume grew by 10.8%, while the number of international travelers rose 61.1%.
“The end-of-year numbers are particularly remarkable since the transfer to local control occurred just two years ago and they show that our strategy to develop Ontario into an international gateway is succeeding,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). “Our success is rooted in our ability to provide the facilities, services and amenities that air travelers demand and deliver the positive, hassle-free customer experience they deserve.”
In December, ONT welcomed more than 441,000 passengers, 7.4% higher than December 2017. Domestic and international passenger volume grew 5.3% and 61.7%, respectively.
Air cargo likewise continued its robust growth pace in December and for the year. During calendar year 2018, shipments of freight and mail totaled more than 750,000 tons, 14.8% higher than 2017. In December shipments totaled more than 75,000 tons, an increase of nearly 5% over December 2017.
“We owe this sustained growth to our airline partners at China Airlines, Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways who have added services during this past year,” said Mark Thorpe, OIAA chief executive officer. “We look forward to continuing increases in 2019 thanks to new services already announced and others we expect to hear about soon.”
Ontario International Airport was recently named the fastest growing airport in the U.S. by a leading travel publication. Several air carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines have already announced new flights from ONT beginning this year.
“A key to our success has been is the continued confidence shown by our airline and concession partners, not to mention the tireless efforts of our employees and the unyielding support of the citizens of San Bernardino County and the City of Ontario. Ours is one of the few communities that welcomes growth in its airport,” said Ontario City Councilmember Jim Bowman, an OIAA commissioner.