What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is leveraging record traffic growth and new services to enhance its role as Southern California's second international gateway. Recent additions include United Airlines' daily nonstop service to Chicago O'Hare and Southwest Airlines' service to Baltimore-Washington. Starlux Airlines has introduced flights from Taipei, complementing existing services from China Airlines. Volaris has expanded its routes to Los Cabos, Morelia, and Leon/Bajio. These developments have contributed to ONT's second-highest passenger total in July 2025 and its busiest month for international traffic. Quinn Annelin, ONT's director of air service development, emphasizes the airport's focus on expanding its international footprint, particularly in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. The airport's facilities and proximity to 9 million residents make it an attractive option for carriers seeking growth in Southern California.
Why It's Important?
ONT's expansion is significant for the Southern California region, which is home to nearly 20 million residents and the second-largest air travel market in the U.S. The airport's growth supports the region's economic development, providing more travel options and potentially boosting tourism and business travel. The Inland Empire region, served by ONT, has experienced substantial job and income growth, creating long-term opportunities for air service expansion. Despite macroeconomic concerns and tariff announcements affecting travel demand, ONT has maintained consistent passenger growth, outperforming peer airports across California and the U.S. This expansion positions ONT as a key player in the competitive aviation market, offering more international connections and supporting regional economic vitality.
What's Next?
ONT plans to continue its focus on international growth, targeting Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region. The airport's facilities are equipped to handle more long-haul services, and its strategic location makes it a natural choice for carriers looking to expand their presence in Southern California. As ONT continues to attract new international carriers, it may further solidify its role as a major gateway, potentially leading to increased competition with other airports in the region. Stakeholders, including airlines and local businesses, are likely to monitor these developments closely, assessing the impact on travel patterns and economic opportunities.
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