Ontario International Airport’s Winter Travel Surge: A Record-Breaking Holiday Season

Published on December 16, 2025

Ontario International Airport (ONT) will start the 2025 winter holidays travel season and will start a new record in the 2025 winter holidays travel season. Forecast reports from December 18 to January 4 predict 362,000 and record 5,000 and a 2.2% increase from the previous year. This year, 465,000 seats and 2,800 flights will be available in the airport for holiday travel.

The holiday season will start in the ONT, and a travel surge is expected at the ONT. More than 22,000 travellers are also expected on December 28 and December 19 on the Sunday before holiday travel. Most holiday travel is expected on December 21.

Expanding Reach and Enhancing Experiences

ONT is not only anticipating record numbers in terms of passenger volume, but the airport is also dedicated to enhancing the travel experience. With its signature “So Cal So Jolly Fest,” ONT kicked off its holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony on December 1, setting the stage for daily special events throughout the festive season. Passengers and visitors can enjoy seasonal entertainment, surprise performances, and festive treats that add a touch of holiday cheer to their journeys.

“At ONT, we aim to make the travel experience as enjoyable and memorable as possible,” said Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “Our holiday programming is designed to foster a sense of community and joy, whether you’re traveling, greeting loved ones, or simply passing through.”

ONT’s Remarkable Growth in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, ONT is on track to surpass 7 million passengers for the year, a significant milestone for the airport. Through November, the airport has already welcomed more than 6.5 million passengers, marking a 0.5% increase compared to 2024. While domestic passenger volume saw a slight dip of 1.2%, international travel experienced a remarkable increase of 25.6%, with 503,914 international travelers in the first 11 months of the year.

November’s passenger numbers totaled 593,799, representing a slight decrease of 1.2% compared to the same month in 2024. This decline can largely be attributed to disruptions caused by the Federal Aviation Administration’s reduction of domestic flights at 40 airports, including ONT, during the federal government shutdown. Despite this, ONT continues to experience growth in international travel, as evidenced by the 77.8% increase in international passengers compared to November 2024.

Holiday Travel and International Growth

With more than 465,000 seats available during the holiday period, ONT is well-positioned to accommodate the influx of passengers. Airlines operating from the airport, including Southwest, American Airlines, Frontier, Alaska, and Delta, have expanded their services to meet the demand for winter travel. ONT’s commitment to enhancing both domestic and international connectivity continues to play a key role in attracting more travelers, both from the U.S. and overseas.

A Promising Year for Air Cargo

ONT is also seeing growth in its air cargo operations, with a 5.3% increase in cargo tonnage through November 2025. While freight volumes have decreased slightly by 4.3%, mail volume has surged by 122.7%, reflecting increased demand for shipping during the holiday season. ONT’s strategic location within Southern California makes it a vital hub for both passenger and cargo traffic, supporting the region’s economy.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for ONT

Ontario International Airport is nearing the 7 million boardings milestone for 2025 and is still developing terminal, runway and road improvements and is always adding new organisations to the customer experience. Every holiday season and throughout the year, we strive to deliver and manage the holiday travel surge to ensure every travel experience with ONT is hassle-free. With the increasing passenger count and a growing list of travel destinations, ONT is positioned for continued success and growth in the expanding customer base and new international routes.

Source-Ontario International Airport