Ontario International Airport (ONT) has reinforced its position as a growing air cargo and logistics gateway for the Los Angeles region, following strong passenger and freight growth in 2025.
The airport recorded a year-on-year increase of 5.3% in air cargo volumes, supported mainly by a sharp rise in US mail traffic carried by UPS Airlines. Mail shipments through ONT doubled during the year, offsetting a modest 3.6% decline in commercial freight.
ONT said the performance highlights its increasing importance to express and e-commerce logistics, as well as its role as an alternative to congested airports closer to downtown Los Angeles.
Passenger growth has also helped support bellyhold cargo capacity. International passenger numbers reached a record high in 2025, driven by expanded non-stop services to Latin America and Asia. Since 2016, the number of non-stop passenger destinations served by ONT has risen from 13 to 31.
As the airport marks a decade under local control, overall activity has increased sharply. Passenger volumes are up 67%, while cargo-related activity has grown by 45% since 2016, underlining Ontario’s transformation into a key hub for both travellers and freight.
Airport officials said continued route expansion and strong express carrier demand position Ontario International as an increasingly important global gateway for Southern California’s air cargo market.
|
Air cargo (tonnage) |
Dec 2025 |
Dec 2024 |
Change |
YTD 2025 |
YTD 2024 |
Change |
|
Freight |
72,457 |
70,088 |
3.4 % |
700,809 |
726,653 |
-3.6 % |
|
|
14,385 |
12,859 |
11.9 % |
134,319 |
66,717 |
101.3 % |
|
Total |
86,842 |
82,947 |
4.7 % |
835,129 |
793,371 |
5.3 % |
Elkadi said: “Ontario International continues to provide exceptional customer service and first-rate facilities to our shipping partners.
“We proudly serve as the gold standard among Southern California cargo destinations and constantly strive to exceed our own high expectations”.
