Ontario International Airport: Southern California’s rising star

For those who are not familiar with your airport, how would you describe it in a nutshell?

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is Southern California’s rising star — a dynamic and accessible gateway located in the heart of the Inland Empire, one of the fastest-growing populations and economic centres in the United States. Since returning to local ownership in 2016, we’ve grown our passenger numbers by 67%, serving more than seven million travellers in 2024. ONT has recorded 50 consecutive months of year-over-year growth — a streak unmatched in our region.

Our catchment area is vast and growing — the Inland Empire is now the 12th largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the country, and we’re on track to add another million people by mid-century. We’re proud to be the airport of choice for a diverse, fast-growing community. Our brand promise, “So Cal, So Easy,” speaks to the convenience, speed and friendliness of the ONT experience — from curb to gate in 12 minutes or less.

What does your tagline, “So Cal. So Easy” mean for passengers and staff?

“So Cal, So Easy” is more than a tagline — it’s a culture. It means short lines, easy parking, friendly staff and a seamless experience from the street to your seat. Our airport is designed for convenience. Passengers regularly go from parking to gate in under 12 minutes. And for our team, it means creating an environment where employees are empowered to go the extra mile — because we know that a smile at check-in or a helping hand at baggage claim can make all the difference.

What interesting trends are you observing in your passengers and how are you trying to adapt to this?

We’re seeing a strong rise in international demand, fuelled by the Inland Empire’s increasing role as a global trade and investment hub. In just the past few months, we’ve added international service to Taipei via STARLUX and expanded our reach into Mexico with Volaris flights to Los Cabos, León/Guanajuato and Morelia.

Credit: ONT.

To meet this growing demand, we’re making strategic investments in infrastructure and passenger experience — from upgraded TSA checkpoints to new dining and retail options, immersive spaces like our California Science Centre partnership in Terminal 4, and cultural programmes like Authors @ ONT. We are building an airport experience that reflects and celebrates the communities we serve.

Your passenger count was up for the 50th consecutive month in April. What do you attribute this growth to, and how are you handling it?

Our growth reflects three key factors: the rapid expansion of our region, the loyalty and trust of our airline partners, and our relentless focus on the customer experience.

We’re scaling thoughtfully to meet that demand. We’ve completed a $90 million runway rehabilitation, added new gates and parking capacity, and are expanding TSA screening areas with the help of a $7 million FAA grant. But most importantly, we’re keeping the passenger journey simple and enjoyable — staying true to our “So Cal, So Easy” ethos.

Authors @ ONT. Credit: ONT.

What passenger experience initiatives are you running?

We are deeply committed to enriching the travel experience. Our Authors @ ONT programme brings writers into our terminals for book signings and cultural events. We’ve opened an immersive lounge in collaboration with the California Science Centre, where travellers can unwind in a digitally recreated kelp forest.

Kelp Forest at the California SciencCenter. Credit: ONT.

We’ve also led the way with amenities like the first-ever TopGolf Swing Suite in an airport, locally inspired restaurants like Mi Casa Cantina, and regional retail partnerships including 1LoveIE. Every detail is part of a bigger mission, making the airport not just a place of travel, but a destination.

Top Golf suite. Credit: ONT.

What are the key upgrades you are making to your airport in the coming years?

We’re investing across the board in runways, terminals, concessions and technology. Our recent runway rehab and upcoming TSA checkpoint expansion are just the beginning. We’re also upgrading amenities in Terminals 2 and 4 and planning for additional lounge space, more transit connectivity and digital wayfinding.

A major land-use project across from the airport is being developed into a 200-acre logistics park, further strengthening our role in the global supply chain. It’s a growth trajectory that matches the economic vitality of our region.

What new technologies have you implemented into your airport operations that have made the biggest impact?

We’ve leaned heavily into tech to enhance the customer journey.

ONT+ is our digital visitor pass system — a first for mid-sized airports — allowing non-ticketed guests to access the terminal for retail, dining, or to greet arriving passengers. We’ve also upgraded airfield lighting to energy-efficient LEDs and improved sustainability across our operations.

Inside the terminals, we’re using smart data to optimise concessions and queue management and working with partners like CLEAR and TSA PreCheck to speed the security process. It’s all about removing friction and adding value.

What are the challenges the airport is facing?

Our greatest challenge is also our greatest opportunity — managing growth the right way. We want to ensure that every step we take aligns with our core values of convenience, safety and community. That means thoughtful planning around infrastructure, meeting demand for key destinations, and ensuring our transportation network of buses, rideshares, and future transit, keeps pace.

The bar is high. Our passengers expect a world-class experience, and we’re committed to delivering it every day.

What is the main highlight for your airport in 2025?

2025 is shaping up to be one of our most dynamic years yet. Our biggest highlight is the continuing expansion of our international service. With STARLUX to Taipei and a slate of new flights to Mexico, ONT is truly stepping into its role as Southern California’s newest global gateway.

But it’s not just about the routes — it’s about the relationships, investments and partnerships we’re building to ensure that growth is sustainable and meaningful for our community. ONT is connecting the Inland Empire to the world, and the world is taking notice.