In 2025, Ontario International Airport (ONT) set a new record by receiving more than 7 million passengers, which marked its fifth consecutive year of growth after the pandemic. The airport, located in Southern California, has become an increasingly important gateway for domestic and international travellers because international travel has seen a sharp increase. The airport’s passenger volume from Latin America and Asia demonstrates Ontario International’s expanded position as a major airport operator within the regional air travel market.
With 567,000 international passengers recorded in 2025, representing a nearly 30% year-over-year increase, the airport surpassed 7.1 million total passengers, including both domestic and international travellers. This marks the highest traffic since the airport’s transfer to local control in 2016, demonstrating its capacity to meet growing demand while many other California airports are still recovering from the pandemic’s impact.
The impressive growth in international travel is largely attributed to expanded nonstop service to Latin American and Asian destinations, making Ontario International a more accessible choice for global travellers. According to the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), the 2025 international passenger count was up by 29.2% from the previous year, reinforcing ONT’s appeal as a key alternative to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which has traditionally dominated the area’s international travel market.
Alan D. Wapner, President of the OIAA, expressed pride in the airport’s performance, highlighting its ability to provide world-class customer service and state-of-the-art infrastructure, positioning Ontario as a prominent gateway for global travel. The airport’s continuous growth signals the region’s potential for expanding both domestic and international travel services, establishing ONT as a competitive player in the global aviation industry.
Ontario International Airport has not only seen increases in passenger numbers but has also invested in its infrastructure to accommodate this surge. In response to rising international travel, ONT has expanded its facilities, including the addition of two new passenger lounges, a duty-free retail store, and enhanced in-terminal dining and retail options. These additions reflect the airport’s commitment to improving the traveller experience, catering to both international and domestic passengers.
The transition of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations to ONT’s Landing Rights Airport status has also facilitated the increase in international flights. This transition allows CBP to better serve the growing international passenger base at ONT by providing more efficient processing services and increased capacity.
The impressive growth in both passenger traffic and cargo volume is a testament to the ongoing regional demand for services at Ontario International Airport. The airport saw a 67% increase in passenger volume since its local control transfer in 2016, with daily flight departures growing from 58 to 90. As a result, ONT has become Southern California’s second-most popular mid-sized airport, providing service to multiple destinations across the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and Taiwan.
Despite challenges faced by other major airports in California, Ontario has continued to excel, standing out in the region’s aviation sector by providing accessible and efficient air travel options. As the second-largest air travel market in the U.S. and the sixth-largest in the world, Southern California now boasts multiple global gateways, and Ontario International is rising to meet the needs of its growing international traveller base.
As Ontario International celebrates its Decade of Local Control, the airport’s future looks bright, with sustained growth projected in both passenger traffic and cargo tonnage. In addition to the increased international flights, Ontario’s air cargo tonnage grew by 5.3% in 2025, supported by significant increases in mail volumes carried by UPS Airlines. Ontario has firmly established itself as a critical hub for air cargo in Southern California, further enhancing its overall profile.
Ontario International Airport functions as an essential and active component of the Southern California transportation network. The airport has become a global gateway due to its ongoing expansion which includes record-breaking international travel numbers and its growing passenger and cargo services. The airport operates as a crucial asset for travelers who need to find alternatives to Los Angeles International Airport because it can handle rising demand while maintaining excellent customer service.
