Jazmin Li
Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Southern California offers passengers up to 90 nonstop flights to nearly 30 major destinations worldwide. The airport has two terminals with 26 gates and a separate adjacent international arrivals facility with two arrival-only gates. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport was nearly empty, with only 166 departing flights and 178 arriving flights per day. However, it is usually bustling, with fast-moving security lanes, various dining and shopping options, and efficient operations. The airport also serves as a significant distribution point for FedEx Express and is an alternate landing site for large aircraft destined for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Ontario International Airport |
| Location | Southern California |
| Airport Code | ONT |
| Number of Terminals | 2 |
| Number of Gates | 28 |
| Airlines Operating | Alaska Airlines, Avianca El Salvador, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, Volaris, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Avianca, China Airlines, and Volaris |
| Daily Departures and Arrivals | More than 64 (as of September 2018) |
| Nonstop Destinations | Nearly 30 |
| Security Wait Times | Under 20 minutes during non-peak times |
| Security Recommendations | Arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure |
| Services | Dining, shopping, disability services |
| Surrounding Airports | Redlands Municipal Airport, Chino Airport, Brackett Field, Cable Airport, San Bernardino International Airport |
| Financial Crisis Impact | 40% decline in traffic between 2007 and 2012 |
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What You'll Learn
- The 2008 financial crisis saw JetBlue suspend its service to Ontario Airport, with other major carriers decreasing their passenger volume
- Southwest Airlines transferring capacity to LAX, making LAX fares more competitive
- The airport suffered a 40% decline in traffic between 2007 and 2012
- The COVID-19 pandemic saw a reduction in flights and arrivals
- Ontario Airport has fewer noise restrictions than other Southern California airports
The 2008 financial crisis saw JetBlue suspend its service to Ontario Airport, with other major carriers decreasing their passenger volume
The Great Recession of 2008 had a significant impact on the aviation industry, and Ontario International Airport (ONT) felt these effects keenly. One of the airport's carriers, JetBlue, suspended its service to ONT entirely during this period. This suspension was a direct response to the economic downturn, as airlines sought to cut costs and streamline their operations. JetBlue's departure left a noticeable gap, reducing the airport's passenger traffic and contributing to a perception of decreased activity.
Additionally, other major carriers that served ONT also decreased their passenger volume during and after the financial crisis. When an economic crisis occurs, business and leisure travel are often among the first expenses to be cut, leading to a significant drop in demand for air travel. This decrease in passenger volume had a ripple effect on the airport, as reduced demand meant fewer flights and available seats, potentially making the airport seem emptier.
Airlines also consolidated their operations by reducing the number of flights or downsizing their aircraft to less busy airports, ensuring that their planes were departing at optimal capacity. This strategy helps airlines save costs and maximize efficiency, but it can result in smaller airports like ONT appearing less busy than they once were. The decrease in passenger volume and flight offerings during this period likely contributed to the impression of an empty airport.
Furthermore, the 2008 financial crisis may have also triggered a shift in the aviation industry's focus. Airlines might have started prioritizing larger, more profitable hubs, directing their resources towards busier airports in popular destinations to maximize revenue. This shift could have further contributed to the sense of decreased activity at ONT, as it may have received less attention and investment from major carriers compared to larger, more lucrative airports.
It is important to note that the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on ONT extended beyond the suspension of JetBlue's service and the decrease in passenger volume. The airport's recovery process was gradual and challenging, requiring strategic efforts to attract new airlines and regain passenger traffic. This process likely contributed to the airport's transformation and any current perceptions of emptiness. Today, ONT continues to rebuild and adapt, striving to meet the changing demands of the aviation industry and the traveling public.
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Southwest Airlines transferring capacity to LAX, making LAX fares more competitive
Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Southern California offers a range of amenities, including dining, shopping, disability services, and fast-moving security lanes. However, around the time of the 2008 financial crisis, the airport experienced a significant decline in traffic. JetBlue suspended its service to ONT, and major carriers reduced their passenger volume.
One of the contributing factors to the airport's decline was the decision by Southwest Airlines to transfer a significant portion of its capacity from Ontario to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This move made LAX fares more competitive with ONT, as they offered more attractive frequencies and a wider range of destinations. The financial crisis also hit the surrounding Inland Empire region hard, with the nearby city of San Bernardino declaring bankruptcy. As a result, ONT suffered a 40% decline in traffic between 2007 and 2012, while LAX recovered and surpassed pre-recession levels.
Southwest Airlines' presence at LAX has made it a convenient option for travellers. LAX has multiple terminals connected by bridges and tunnels, allowing passengers to move between them without leaving the secured area. Terminal 1 is exclusively used by Southwest Airlines, and passengers can access the Alaska Board Room and the Priority Pass restaurant, Rock & Brews. Additionally, Southwest Airlines offers competitive fares, with flights to Los Angeles starting at $49. Passengers can also earn and use Rapid Rewards points on flights and rental cars, making LAX an attractive choice.
The transfer of capacity by Southwest Airlines to LAX, along with the financial crisis and other factors, likely contributed to the decline in traffic at ONT. However, ONT still serves as a significant distribution point for FedEx Express and is an alternate landing site for large aircraft destined for LAX due to its longer runway. While ONT may have fewer passengers, it still offers advantages such as shorter security wait times and convenient parking options.
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The airport suffered a 40% decline in traffic between 2007 and 2012
The Ontario International Airport in California has two terminals with 26 gates and a separate adjacent international arrivals facility with two arrival-only gates, totalling 28 gates. The airport offers nearly 30 nonstop destinations from Southern California, with up to 90 daily non-stops to nearly 30 major destinations.
However, the airport suffered a significant decline in traffic between 2007 and 2012, coinciding with the 2008 financial crisis. During this period, major airlines such as JetBlue suspended their services to ONT, and legacy carriers significantly reduced their passenger volume at the airport. Southwest Airlines also transferred a large portion of its Ontario capacity to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), making LAX fares more competitive. The financial crisis hit the surrounding Inland Empire region hard, with the nearby city of San Bernardino declaring bankruptcy. As a result, Ontario International Airport experienced a 40% decline in traffic during those years, while traffic at LAX recovered and surpassed pre-recession levels.
The airport has a long history, dating back to the establishment of a landing field in 1923, which was later named Latimer Field. In 1929, the city of Ontario purchased 30 acres to establish the Ontario Municipal Airport, which was renamed Ontario International Airport in 1946 due to the trans-Pacific cargo flights originating there. Today, the airport continues to offer a range of amenities and services to passengers, including dining and shopping options, disability services, and efficient security measures.
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The COVID-19 pandemic saw a reduction in flights and arrivals
The impact of the pandemic on Ontario International Airport was evident in the numbers. According to one source, the daily average of departures and arrivals saw a sharp decline. Before the pandemic, the daily average of departures was around 1,250, but during the pandemic, this number dropped to just 166 flights. Similarly, arrivals decreased from a pre-pandemic average to 178. These numbers represented a significant reduction in traffic, with around 33% of departing flights and 29% of arriving flights being cancelled.
The decrease in flights and arrivals at Ontario International Airport during the pandemic can also be attributed to the financial crisis that hit the surrounding region. The city of San Bernardino, located near the airport, declared bankruptcy, and the airport experienced a significant decline in traffic even before the pandemic. Between 2007 and 2012, traffic at the airport dropped by 40%, while traffic at nearby Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) recovered and surpassed pre-recession levels.
Additionally, the pandemic may have exacerbated existing issues at the airport. Major carriers had already decreased their passenger volume at the airport, and Southwest Airlines had transferred a significant portion of its operations to LAX, making their fares more competitive and attractive to passengers. These factors, coupled with the pandemic's impact on travel, likely contributed to the reduction in flights and arrivals at Ontario International Airport.
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Ontario Airport has fewer noise restrictions than other Southern California airports
Unlike other airports in Southern California, Ontario International Airport has few noise restrictions and abatement rules. Airports such as John Wayne Airport, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Long Beach Airport, and San Diego International Airport have very strict noise policies. Ontario Airport is allowed to operate 24/7, but during the hours of 22:00 to 07:00, all aircraft must arrive from the east on runway 26L or 26R and take off to the east on runway 8R or 8L, depending on ATC instruction. This procedure is known as "Contra-Flow" and is similar to the one used by LAX, where all landings are conducted from the east and all takeoffs to the west between 00:00 and 06:30. These procedures are implemented to minimize noise for nearby communities.
The lack of noise restrictions at Ontario Airport has been a source of contention for residents living west of the airport, who have complained about increased noise levels. Despite this, Ontario Airport remains an attractive option for travellers due to its convenient location and lack of traffic congestion. The airport is situated about 38 miles (61 km) east of downtown Los Angeles, offering faster access to the city for those travelling to or from downtown Los Angeles or areas east of it.
In addition to its convenient location and lack of noise restrictions, Ontario Airport also boasts shorter security wait times and up to 90 daily nonstop flights to nearly 30 major destinations. These advantages have led some to consider it the best airport to fly to or from in the Southern California region.
The history of Ontario Airport is also worth noting. Established in 1929 as Ontario Municipal Airport, it became an important training base for the Army Air Corps during World War II. In 1946, it was renamed Ontario International Airport due to the increasing trans-Pacific cargo flights operating from the site.
In summary, Ontario Airport's fewer noise restrictions compared to other Southern California airports make it a convenient and attractive option for travellers, despite some local noise concerns. Its historical significance and role as a major distribution point for FedEx Express and UPS Airlines further contribute to its importance in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for the airport being empty. Firstly, the airport suffered a 40% decline in traffic between 2007 and 2012, following the 2008 financial crisis. Additionally, major airlines like JetBlue and Southwest Airlines reduced their presence at the airport, making it less attractive to passengers.
The airport's location and competition from nearby airports could be factors. General aviation pilots, for example, tend to use nearby airports like Redlands Municipal Airport, Chino Airport, and San Bernardino International Airport.
The pandemic likely exacerbated existing issues, significantly reducing air travel demand and resulting in flight cancellations.
Ontario International Airport is working to enhance security and streamline processes. They offer TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for faster clearance, and plan to add more TSA security lanes in both terminals. The airport also provides a range of dining and shopping options to enhance the traveller experience.
