Ontario International Gears Up for a Busy Holiday Run — low millions of travelers expected

Holiday surge expected as Ontario International prepares for peak travel

Ontario International Airport is bracing for a busy holiday stretch. Airport officials say passenger traffic will rise to record levels during the mid‑December to early‑January travel window, with volumes moving into the low millions. That outlook reflects stronger leisure travel and a fuller schedule of flights from both legacy and low‑cost carriers.

The news matters because airports feel a lot like cities during peak travel: crowds, longer lines and fuller parking lots. Airport leaders are pitching this as good news — more travelers mean more flights, more gate activity and more revenue — but it also means officials must manage the strain on staff and facilities to keep people moving.

Staffing and systems stretched to meet demand

To handle the expected rush, the airport is increasing frontline staff, tweaking security lane use and ironing out baggage plans. Airport management says it has added temporary positions and shifted schedules so there are more workers at ticket counters, security checkpoints and baggage claim during the busiest hours.

Transportation security procedures will stay the same, but officials plan to open additional lanes when queues build. Airline ground crews will run extra baggage teams and adjust staffing to speed loading and unloading. Ground handling contractors and airport operations will coordinate more closely with airlines to avoid late departures linked to baggage or staffing gaps.

Even with those steps, officials warn capacity will be tighter than in an average month. Travelers should expect fuller gate areas, busier shuttles and a higher chance of delays during the peak travel days around major holidays.

Making travel more pleasant: decorations, music and services

The airport is also focusing on passenger experience. Terminals will feature seasonal decorations and local performers will play live music at select times to ease the mood. Holiday signage will point travelers to fast‑track lanes and family services.

Customer service booths will offer extra staff to help with wayfinding and last‑minute changes. Families traveling with small children can expect pop‑up play areas and family‑friendly seating, while business travelers will see expanded charging stations in key lounges and seating clusters.

These touches are designed to reduce stress and keep things moving, but they won’t cut queues. The goal is to make waits feel shorter, not to eliminate them entirely.

What the surge means for the Inland Empire and airport finances

More passengers mean more money flowing into the region. Travelers pay for parking, taxis and rideshares, eat at local restaurants and sometimes stay in nearby hotels. That spending supports jobs in ground transport, hospitality and retail around the airport.

For the airport itself, higher passenger counts boost revenue from terminal concessions, parking and airline fees. That can fund equipment upgrades and surface‑transport projects, and it may help the airport expand services in future seasons. Local officials say the boost will be welcome for small businesses that rely on holiday travel traffic.

At the same time, the surge can raise costs. The airport must pay for temporary staff, extended hours and added cleaning and security. If delays climb, those costs and the reputational hit could offset some of the extra income.

Traveler essentials: parking, timing and straightforward tips

Officials offer practical guidance to make trips smoother. Parking capacity will be tighter than usual: long‑term lots may fill early on peak days, and shuttle wait times could grow. Travelers who want to park at the airport should budget extra time to find a space and expect shuttle rides from overflow lots.

Arrival timing is the single most helpful thing travelers can control. The airport recommends arriving earlier than you normally would for non‑holiday travel, especially if you need to check bags or travel with family. During the busiest windows, give yourself extra time for traffic on the roads leading to the airport as well.

Airlines will post flight schedules and gate assignments as usual; delays can happen, so keep an eye on your carrier’s app for last‑minute gate changes. If you’re traveling with bulky luggage, consider curbside check‑in where available to skip lines inside the terminal. For those relying on rideshares or taxis, use designated pickup zones to avoid congestion near terminal doors.

Bottom line: Ontario International is preparing for a notably busy holiday run. The airport has plans to add people, lanes and services to keep things moving, but travelers should expect crowds and give themselves extra time so the season stays festive rather than frazzled.

Sources

• prnewswire.com