Ontario International Airport Sees Modest Passenger Growth, Driven by Surge in International Travelers — Ontario International Airport Authority

Event summary

Ontario International Airport (ONT) reported a 2.3% increase in passenger volume for the first five months of 2026, with May seeing a modest 0.4% growth.
International travelers surged by 41.5% in May and 53.7% year-to-date, while domestic travel declined slightly by 2.3% in May and 1.6% year-to-date.
Air cargo tonnage increased by 4.7% in May, with freight up by 8.2%, but mail shipments dropped by 13%.
Southwest Airlines held the largest passenger share at 35.7%, followed by American Airlines (14%), Delta Air Lines (10.9%), Frontier Airlines (10.1%), and Alaska Airlines (10%).

The big picture

Ontario International Airport's growth is reflective of broader trends in air travel, where international routes are seeing significant increases while domestic travel remains relatively flat. The airport's strategic focus on serving its community and airline partners has positioned it as a key player in Southern California's aviation landscape. With continued investment in infrastructure and partnerships, ONT aims to maintain its competitive edge in both passenger and cargo services.

What we're watching

International Travel Growth: Whether the surge in international travelers can be sustained and how it will impact ONT's strategic positioning as a Southern California gateway.
Cargo Volume Trends: The pace at which air cargo tonnage continues to grow, particularly freight, and its implications for ONT's role among top U.S. cargo airports.
Domestic Travel Recovery: How ONT will address the slight decline in domestic travel and whether it can reverse this trend in the coming months.