Jolly winter holidays in store for Ontario International Airport with record numbers expected

ONT passenger volumes on track to exceed 7 million this year

ONTARIO, Calif., Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ontario International Airport (ONT) officials are preparing for record passenger volume during the upcoming winter holidays and embracing all in the spirit of the season.

The ONT forecast anticipates more than 362,000 passengers over the 18-day winter holiday travel period, 2.2% more than last year and the most in the history of the airport.

The travel period stretches from Thursday, December 18, through Sunday, January 4, with the busiest days expected to be:

• Sunday, December 21 (22,804)
• Friday, December 19 (22,353)
• Sunday, December 28 (22,167)

Based on current schedules, airlines are offering more than 465,000 seats on 2,808 arriving and departing flights at ONT to accommodate holiday travelers.

"We're excited to welcome hundreds of thousands of travelers to ONT during the winter holiday season," said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. "From the moment people step into our terminals, whether they're traveling, welcoming loved ones home or simply passing through; they'll feel the warmth, energy and sense of community that define our airport. Our holiday programming is designed to create moments of joy, from live entertainment and seasonal treats to surprise performances that make the travel experience a lot more special."

The ONT "So Cal So Jolly Fest" kicked off December 1^st with the airport's annual tree lighting ceremony with daily special events continuing through Christmas Day.

The winter holiday forecast is expected to keep ONT on track to welcome more than 7 million air travelers for the year. Through the first 11 months of the year, the Southern California gateway welcomed more than 6.5 million passengers, up 0.5% from prior year. Domestic volume – 6.0 million passengers – was down slightly by 1.2% while international travel – 503,914 passengers – increased 25.6% during the first 11 months of 2025.

During November, 593,799 passengers traveled through ONT, a slight decrease of 1.2% compared with November 2024. Domestic travelers totaled 536,287, down 5.7% due primarily to the Federal Aviation Administration ordering airlines to reduce scheduled domestic flights at 40 airports, including ONT, for 10 days during the federal government shutdown. The international passenger count was 57,512, a sharp increase of 77.8% and the highest in the history of the airport, surpassing the previous record set in July 2025.

The top 5 air carriers' market share in passenger volume in November were Southwest (36.4%), Aerican (14.8%). Frontier (11.1%), Alaska (9.8%) and Delta (9.1%).

Air cargo tonnage declined by 2.4% in November, but remained in positive territory for the year. From January through November, cargo tonnage was 5.3% higher than the same period in 2024 with mail volume up by 122.7%, while freight decreased by 4.3%.

About Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the second most popular mid-sized airport in the United States, according to J.D. Power's most recent North America Airport Satisfaction Study. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which offers nonstop commercial jet service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram

About the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA)
The OIAA was formed in August 2012 by a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the County of San Bernardino to provide overall direction for the management, operations, development and marketing of ONT for the benefit of the Southern California economy and the residents of the airport's four-county catchment area. OIAA leaders include Ontario Mayor pro Tem Alan D. Wapner (President), San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman (Vice President), Ontario City Council Member Jim W. Bowman (Secretary), Retired Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge (Treasurer) and retired business executive Julia Gouw (Commissioner).

OIAA Media Contact:
Steve Lambert, (909) 841-7527, [email protected]

SOURCE Ontario International Airport