Ontario International Airport Expecting More Holiday Traffic
Ontario, Ca – An additional 20,000 passengers are expected to fly through Ontario International Airport during this year’s Thanksgiving and winter holiday travel seasons, and they will be delighted by the exciting improvements that have come to the airport since last year.
For the 11-day period beginning Friday, November 16, and concluding November 26, more than 162,000 air travelers are anticipated at ONT, an increase of 5% from the nearly 155,000 during the Thanksgiving holiday period a year ago. According to airport data, 85% of available airline seats are expected to be filled.
During the 18-day period from December 20 through January 6, it is estimated that nearly 258,000 passengers will travel through ONT, more than last year’s winter holidays when 245,000 air travelers chose Ontario.
“We have grown accustomed to welcoming more passengers every month and we are confident that those who choose Ontario for their holiday travel will be pleased with our improvements,” said Mark Thorpe, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “We pride ourselves on being the fastest-growing airport in Southern California with the hassle-free experience and popular amenities that our customers deserve.”
Thorpe noted that the addition this year of new non-stop flights to New York, Florida and Taiwan and the recent multi-million dollar upgrades to ONT’s dining and retail concessions are helping to attract more air travelers and provide a positive airport experience.
Ontario passengers will enjoy new food and beverage concessions including Einstein Bros bagels, Rock & Brews restaurant, Wahoo’s Fish Taco and Wolfgang Puck’s WPizza, among other appealing dining options. Retail concessions underwent a similar transformation with the addition of Tech on the Go, Cali Market and Hudson, an iconic travel essentials and convenience outlet.
Popular valet parking service was added at Terminal 2 in May for those who drive themselves to ONT. More recently, digital displays were added in arrival areas to show arriving flight and baggage claim information, which helps avoid confusion for passengers and greeters. The brightly lit panels are displayed above baggage belts and are clearly visible from 30 yards.
“Our mission is to develop ONT into an additional gateway for Southern California air travel and the strong show of confidence among airlines and air passengers indicates we’re on the right track,” Thorpe said.