$90 Million Project Took Nearly Two Years

Ontario International Airport (KONT) in Southern California announced the completion of its $90 million rehabilitation of the south runway 8R/26L. The project enhances the safety of millions of passengers who travel through the airport situated east of Los Angeles.

The project was initiated in February 2023 and included the removal of old concrete and repaving 80,000 yards of the runway, along with rehabilitation of adjacent taxiways, elimination of two taxiways while adding a new Taxiway S8, installation of LED lighting, and additional infrastructure improvements.

The FAA funded about $67 million of the project through Airport Improvement Program grants and the airport itself paid for the balance through revenue generated by airport operations. The FAA also just awarded ONT with $4 million in AIP funding for the design of the airport’s north Runway 8L/26R Rehabilitation east of Taxiway U project.

Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners said, “We want to thank Congresswoman Norma Torres, our elected leadership in Washington, D.C., and our regulatory partners for their tireless efforts in securing the funding needed to bring this important project to conclusion. Their unwavering support of Ontario International Airport has allowed us to address critical needs, invest in airport operations and create an unparalleled travel experience for one of the most vibrant population and economic centers in the United States.”

The airport has registered 42 consecutive months of year-over-year growth in passenger traffic, so the project completion and additional funding come at a very opportune time. Further, ONT is on track to eclipse 7 million passengers in 2024, and increase of 75% since it returned to local ownership in 2016.

FMI:  www.flyontario.com/