Ontario International recognised as fastest-growing U.S. airport once again

Credit: Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest-growing airport in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year, based on a survey of frequent travellers by Global Traveler.

The four-peat recognition comes as ONT has seen passenger volumes approach pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels in what has proved to be one of the fastest recoveries among airports nationwide. Between July and November 2021, nearly 2.4 million passengers flew into or out of the Inland Empire airport – just four per cent below 2019 levels and 137 per cent above what was recorded during the corresponding months of 2020.

The award also comes as ONT celebrates five years of local ownership – a move that is being hailed as one of aviation’s great success stories.

“We knew that the combination of first-rate facilities, operations know-how and broad local support positioned us well to develop Ontario International into a premier aviation gateway and deliver the air service and amenities that sophisticated air travellers demand,” said Alan D. Wapner, Mayor pro Tem of the City of Ontario and President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners. “We pride ourselves in offering the convenience and amenities that appeal to our customers and, as a result, ONT continues to be an attractive destination for leisure and business travellers in Southern California and an economic driver for the region.”

Since the start of 2021, airlines serving Ontario have added service to Honolulu, Austin, Houston, Mexico City, El Salavdor, Chicago O’Hare, and Reno-Tahoe. Norse Atlantic Airlines selected ONT as one of three U.S. airports that it hopes to begin offering direct service to and from Europe in 2022.

“Notwithstanding the slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ONT has continued to build on the relationships we’ve established with our longtime airline partners, while attracting new ones – and the destinations they serve,” added Wapner.

Atif Elkadi, ONT’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, expressed appreciation to the travellers who honoured ONT with this award, and to the community that has supported the airport through its growth in service.

“It’s an honour to serve one of the fastest-growing population and economic centres in the country. We’re grateful to the savvy travellers who took part in the survey and the many customers who continue to show such great faith and confidence in our airport,” commented Elkadi.