Ontario International Airport has surpassed four million passengers during the first seven months of 2026, reinforcing its growing role as a major passenger and logistics gateway for Southern California.
The airport handled 673,413 travellers in July, including 616,247 domestic passengers and 57,166 international passengers.
Although total July traffic slipped 1.2% compared with the same month in 2025, Ontario International Airport continued recording positive year-to-date growth.
Between January and July, the airport served 4,085,992 passengers, up 1.3% from 4,032,410 during the same period last year.
International travel provided the strongest momentum. More than 403,000 international passengers used the airport during the first seven months, representing growth of 36.9% compared with 2025.
The figures underline Ontario International Airport’s increasing importance as travellers seek convenient gateways across the wider Los Angeles and Inland Empire region.
International passenger traffic rises sharply
International travel has emerged as the strongest growth segment for Ontario International Airport in 2026.
The airport welcomed 403,385 international passengers between January and July, compared with 294,623 during the same period in 2025.
That represents an increase of almost 109,000 international travellers within seven months.
July international volume also remained positive, rising 0.4% to 57,166 passengers from 56,945 a year earlier.
Ontario International Airport currently offers nonstop connectivity to destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America and Taiwan, giving Southern California travellers alternatives to larger regional gateways.
For inbound tourism, additional international traffic also supports hotels, restaurants, attractions, rental car businesses and other visitor services across the Inland Empire and surrounding destinations.
Domestic travel remains the airport’s foundation
Domestic passengers continue to account for the overwhelming majority of traffic at Ontario International Airport.
The airport handled 616,247 domestic travellers during July, down 1.4% from 624,958 in July 2025.
For the first seven months, domestic traffic reached 3,682,607 passengers compared with 3,737,787 during the same period last year.
Despite that modest decline, strong international growth kept total year-to-date passenger numbers above 2025 levels.
The performance reflects the increasingly diversified nature of Ontario’s passenger market, with international services adding growth alongside its established domestic network.
Southwest remains Ontario’s largest airline
Southwest Airlines continued to command the largest passenger share at Ontario International Airport during July.
The carrier accounted for 34.4% of passenger traffic.
American Airlines ranked second with 14.8%, followed by Frontier Airlines at 11.9%.
Alaska Airlines represented 11.1% of travellers, while Delta Air Lines accounted for 9.4%.
The mix provides Ontario with substantial domestic connectivity while allowing the airport to compete for travellers who value easier regional access.
Its location approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles makes it particularly important for communities throughout the Inland Empire and eastern portions of the wider Southern California market.
Cargo volumes strengthen global logistics role
Ontario International Airport’s growth extends beyond passenger aviation.
The airport handled 75,222 tonnes of air cargo during July, up 3.5% from 72,645 tonnes in July 2025.
Cargo volume for the first seven months reached 503,439 tonnes, representing 7% year-on-year growth.
Freight generated particularly strong results.
July freight increased 3.5% to 63,993 tonnes, while year-to-date freight surged 10% to 432,916 tonnes.
Mail volumes reached 11,229 tonnes during July, an increase of 3.6%. However, mail traffic for the first seven months declined 8.4% to 70,523 tonnes.
The cargo performance strengthens Ontario’s position within the Inland Empire, one of North America’s most significant logistics and distribution regions.
Airport infrastructure supports future expansion
Ontario International Airport is also continuing investment in its aviation infrastructure.
The Federal Aviation Administration recently awarded the airport $7.37 million for rehabilitation and improvements to its north runway.
The investment follows the completion of a $90 million rehabilitation of the airport’s south runway in 2024.
Such improvements are important as passenger and cargo operations grow, helping maintain airfield reliability while supporting future airline activity.
The airport now serves more than seven million passengers annually and has developed into one of Southern California’s most prominent mid-sized aviation gateways.
Tourism benefits from stronger regional gateway
Ontario International Airport’s continued expansion provides broader benefits for Southern California tourism.
International passengers arriving through Ontario can access the Inland Empire while also connecting to destinations across the greater Los Angeles region.
A growing airport can additionally encourage airlines to consider new routes, expanding options for residents while creating fresh entry points for visitors.
The July figures show that growth is not uniform across every travel segment. Domestic passenger numbers have softened slightly, while international demand has expanded rapidly.
Nevertheless, surpassing four million passengers before the end of July demonstrates continued resilience.
With international traffic up almost 37% and cargo volumes also advancing, Ontario International Airport is strengthening its dual role as both a passenger gateway and global supply-chain hub.
That combination positions ONT to play an increasingly important role in Southern California’s tourism, aviation and economic development as travel demand continues evolving through 2026.
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