ONT may potentially break 6 million passengers this year.

In September, Southern California's Ontario International Airport (ONT) exceeded pre-pandemic numbers by 10%. Passenger numbers in Ontario have surpassed 2019 levels for seven straight months.

Get all the latest aviation news right here on Simple Flying.

Airport officials have stated that not only have passenger numbers at ONT exceeded pre-pandemic levels; the airport is seeing numbers it has not seen in 15 years. In September, almost 517,000 people flew through ONT, an increase of 10.15% compared to September 2019. ONT passenger levels have been higher than 500,000 since May, placing the airport in a position to reach 6 million passengers in 2022.

"Ontario International continues to prove itself as the airport of choice for millions of Southern Californians. The double-digit increase in passenger volume last month reinforces the important role we play in meeting the air travel needs of one of the most robust population and economic centers in the country." - Alan D. Wapner, President, Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners and Mayor pro Tem City of Ontario

The airport expects to more than exceed the 5.6 million passengers it welcomed in 2019, the last full year before the COVID-19 pandemic. From January through September, ONT had 4.2 million passengers transit through its doors, a 3.6% increase over the same period in 2019 and 37.6% more than last year.

ONT has experienced growth coming out of the pandemic and in the three years before it. In 2016, the airport returned to local ownership and experienced a nearly 33% increase in passenger volume in the first three years.

"We've been able to pick up where we left off before the pandemic, increasing flights and destinations and providing travelers with amenities and a customer experience they won't get anywhere else." - Atif Elkadi, OIAA CEO.

Ontario has continued to serve as a vital cargo hub for the Southern California area. It is home to UPS, FedEx, and Amazon Air operations.

During September, more than 70,000 tons of cargo transited through ONT, a 14.4% increase over 2019. Through the first nine months of 2022, cargo totaled more than 618,000 tons, 11% more than the first nine months of 2019.

"Ontario International cargo shipments showed strong growth in September and on a year-to-date basis compared with 2019 as our shipping partners continued to show confidence in our airport as a commercial hub for Southern California." - Ron Loveridge, Vice President, OIAA board.

Simple Flying recently analyzed the ten airports with the most passenger airlines in October. The number one airport on the list may be a surprise, as it is not London, Atlanta, Los Angeles, or Chicago. Charles de Gaulle Airport took the crown with 96 passenger airlines in October. London was sixth on the list, with 80 airlines.

To read the complete analysis, click here.

Charles de Gaulle is only the world's 17th busiest airport but still has the most extensive variety of airlines. Air France dominates the airport, with 57% of total flights. CDG is also the fourth-largest SkyTeam airport and one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

US Lead - Lukas flew for the first time before his first birthday and has loved aviation since his earliest memory. He combines a passion for aviation, storytelling, and photography. Based in: Colorado Springs, United States.

Your voice matters. Discussions are moderated for civility.