Ontario International Airport has completed its $90 million revamp of its southern runway

Credit: Ontario International Airport

Ontario International Airport (ONT) has completed its project of revamping the airport’s southernmost runway (8R-26L). It has also finished with the rehabilitation of adjacent taxiways, the elimination of two adjacent taxiways, and construction of a new Taxiway S8, the installation of LED lighting and other infrastructure improvements.

“We want to thank Congresswoman Norma Torres, our elected leadership in Washington, D.C., and our regulatory partners for their tireless efforts in securing the funding needed to bring this important project to conclusion. Their unwavering support of Ontario International Airport has allowed us to address critical needs, invest in airport operations and create an unparalleled travel experience for one of the most vibrant population and economic centres in the United States,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners.

Facts and figures of ONT’s project?

• The project began in February 2023 for Year 1 and again in February 2024 for Year 2
• 80,000 square yards of repaving
• Nearly $67 million of the $90 million total cost was paid for through grants from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP), with the balance provided by ONT itself through revenues generated by airport operations
• ONT was awarded $4 million in AIP funding to help the design of ONT’s northern most runway, Runway 8L-26R, for the Runway 8L-26R Rehabilitation, east of Taxiway U project
• The airfield improvements come as Ontario International has posted 42 consecutive months of year-over-year passenger growth
• The airport is on track to surpass 7 million passengers this calendar year, up 75% since its return to local ownership in 2016

“We appreciate all of the support we have received, from our Congressional leaders, our airline and business partners, and, of course, this dynamic region we serve. It is an honour, too, to be able to fulfil the vision, passion and commitment of our Board of Commissioners as we connect the world to the Inland Empire – the new heart of Southern California,” said Atif Elkadi, OIAA chief executive officer.