International Travel Surge Bolsters Ontario Airport Passenger Numbers

While year-to-date numbers remain positive with a 0.3% overall increase, the August performance reflected a cooling trend. The airport served 606,000 travelers last month, a 6.2% decrease compared to August 2025, as carriers trimmed capacity in response to rising fuel costs. Domestic travel, which accounts for the bulk of operations, saw a 2.2% dip over the eight-month period, totaling 4.2 million passengers.

Despite the domestic softening, OIAA chief executive Atif Elkadi pointed to the facility's recent accolades as a driver for long-term growth. The airport secured a 705 score in the 2026 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, ranking it as the top-rated airport in California. Beyond passenger travel, the airport continues to assert its influence as a logistics hub. Cargo volumes rose 3.3% in August and are up 6.5% year-to-date, with freight tonnage reaching 493,711 tons since January. Southwest Airlines remains the dominant carrier at the facility, capturing 35.3% of the passenger market share.