ONTARIO, Calif., Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) today welcomed news that Fitch Ratings has assigned it an A+ rating on its airport revenue bonds while S&P Global Ratings gave OIAA’s revenue bonds an A rating. Both agencies also called their rating outlooks stable in recognition of the airport’s continued financial strength, disciplined management and long-term growth trajectory.
The rating actions follow a decade of remarkable transformation since the airport’s return to local ownership in 2016. During that time, annual passenger traffic has grown from approximately 4.3 million travelers to more than 7 million, while Ontario International (ONT) has emerged as one of the nation’s fastest-growing medium-hub airports and a leading economic engine for Southern California.
“Ontario International has spent the last decade proving what is possible when an airport has the courage to think differently, the discipline to execute and a team that refuses to accept limits others place on us,” said Atif Elkadi, chief executive officer of the Ontario International Airport Authority. “We have been underestimated before, and we have consistently answered with results. These ratings are another reflection of the financial strength, credibility and momentum our team has built, but we are not building ONT for where we are today. We are building it for where this region is going. With ONT BOLD, strong airline partnerships and a relentless focus on disciplined growth, our best years are still ahead of us.”
Fitch previously identified the airport for a potential upgrade from its prior A- rating, citing ONT’s robust passenger growth, strengthened airline use agreements and improving financial profile. The agency’s latest action reflects the airport’s continued progress in each of those areas.
S&P Global Ratings also cited ONT’s growth and increased service routes along with effective management that’s “conservatively approaching financial and capital planning” as reasons for its favorable view of the airport’s financial outlook.
Over the past decade, ONT has expanded its route network, attracted new domestic and international air service, strengthened airline partnerships and maintained one of the most competitive cost structures among comparable U.S. airports. Those accomplishments have been paired with conservative financial management, strong debt service coverage and continued investment in critical airport infrastructure.
The airport also continues to advance ONT BOLD, its long-term vision to prepare Ontario International Airport for future growth. The initiative is focused on delivering the infrastructure needed to support increasing passenger demand while enhancing the customer experience and strengthening ONT’s role as the Inland Empire’s premier aviation gateway. As outlined by the airport, ONT BOLD represents a long-term program of improvements designed to meet future regional transportation needs while preserving the convenience, efficiency and customer experience that distinguish Ontario International Airport.
Ontario International Airport generates billions of dollars in annual economic activity throughout the Inland Empire while serving one of the nation’s most dynamic population and logistics centers. Recent independent analysis found the airport supports tens of thousands of jobs and nearly $5 billion in annual economic output, underscoring its importance to Southern California’s economy.
The latest Fitch and S&P actions come as ONT approaches the 10th anniversary of its return to local ownership this fall, marking a decade of sustained growth, strategic investment and renewed regional leadership.
About Ontario International Airport
Ranked as the second most popular mid-sized airport by J.D. Power, Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves more than 7 million passengers per year and offers nonstop service to two dozen major airports in the U.S., Mexico, Central America and Taiwan. ONT is owned and operated by the Ontario International Airport Authority, a Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Ontario and the San Bernardino County. More information is available at flyOntario.com. Follow @flyONT on Facebook, X and Instagram
OIAA Media Contact:
Steve Lambert, 909-841-7527 slambert@flyOntario.com
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SOURCE Ontario International Airport
