ONT’s passenger numbers reach 86% of pre-pandemic levels

Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Southern California reports that its passenger numbers soared by 123% in January compared with the same month last year, providing officials a sense of optimism for air travel in 2022.

The total number of air travellers – 339,736 – was almost 86% of the pre-pandemic level in January 2019.

Domestic passengers totalled 323,251, while the number of international passengers grew to 16,485, increases of 122% and 154% respectively.

“Ontario International remains an appealing airport for airlines and air travellers while being a leader among California airports in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jim Bowman, Ontario City Council member and Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) commissioner.

“The Board of Airport Commissioners is optimistic about the airport’s outlook for the coming months based on current airline schedules and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in many regions of the country.”

Bowman also expressed confidence in ONT’s role as a leading Southern California destination for air freight, which grew 13% in January compared with January 2019.

“Ontario International’s location proximate to the nation’s largest seaport complex, freeways, rail lines and major warehouse complexes, not to mention its spacious and modern facilities, makes it an ideal hub for our shipping partners,” Bowman said.

Air cargo totalled more than 68,585 tons in January, a decrease of 7% compared to January a year ago.