Ontario International Airport Launches ONT BOLD Expansion Project

This article is based on an official press release from Ontario International Airport.

Airports (ONT) has officially initiated the environmental review process for a comprehensive expansion program named ONT BOLD (“Building Our Legacy & Destiny”). Announced on May 7, 2026, the project is designed to address rapid passenger growth and modernize the airport’s infrastructure to serve the expanding Inland Empire region.

According to the official press release from the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), the airport has issued a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This regulatory milestone marks the first formal step in a phased development timeline that officials project could span up to 10 years following the receipt of environmental approvals.

The proposed expansion will feature a new 650,000-square-foot Terminal 3, the modernization of existing facilities, and the integration of advanced aviation technologies. By launching the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review process, the OIAA aims to solidify ONT’s position as a premier Southern California passenger gateway and global supply chain hub.

Addressing Unprecedented Regional Growth

Surging Passenger Demand

The necessity for the ONT BOLD project is driven by significant growth since the airport returned to local control in 2016. According to project data, passenger volume has increased by nearly 70% over the past decade, with the airport now handling over 7 million passengers annually. During peak travel periods, current demand already exceeds the design capacity of the existing terminal facilities.

This surge mirrors the broader demographic trends of the Inland Empire, which is currently home to over 4.5 million residents and is projected to grow by another million by 2050. Airport officials note that when factoring in regional drive times, more than 10 million Southern Californians live or work closer to ONT than any other commercial airport.

Interim Upgrades Underway

While the ONT BOLD project represents a long-term solution, the OIAA is already executing interim improvements. An $11 million Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security expansion project is currently underway in Terminals 2 and 4. This interim project, which began in Spring 2025, is slated for completion in Fall 2026 to help manage immediate capacity constraints.

The ONT BOLD Master Plan

Terminal 3 and International Capacity

The centerpiece of the ONT BOLD program is the proposed Terminal 3. As detailed in the project announcement, this new three-level, 650,000-square-foot facility is designed to serve both domestic and international passengers. Crucially, Terminal 3 will feature a new Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility. This addition is essential for processing international arrivals and securing certification from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which will significantly boost ONT’s capacity as an international gateway.

In tandem with the new construction, the project outlines the modernization and expansion of Terminals 2 and 4, which were not originally designed to meet modern security and accessibility standards. The broader infrastructure overhaul also includes a new multi-story parking garage, optimized terminal roadways, upgraded taxiways, and a new Central Utility Plant and Fuel Farm.

Technological Innovation: MARS Gates

A standout feature planned for the new Terminal 3 is the implementation of Multiple Aircraft Ramp System (MARS) stands. Breaking from the conventional model of fixed aircraft-gate assignments, MARS gates utilize a network of adjustable walkways and overlapping stands. This flexible configuration can accommodate either two narrowbody aircraft or a single widebody jet simultaneously.

According to industry data provided in the project overview, this technology maximizes the utilization of existing tarmac space, effectively increasing airport capacity without requiring sprawling additional infrastructure. Furthermore, the system utilizes two passenger boarding bridges per gate, which is expected to drastically reduce boarding and deplaning times and improve the overall passenger experience.

Environmental Review and Community Engagement

The issuance of the NOP officially opens the public scoping phase of the CEQA review process. The OIAA has scheduled a Public Scoping Meeting for Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the OIAA Boardroom to gather community and stakeholder feedback. Written responses to the NOP must be submitted by June 8, 2026.

Local leaders emphasized the importance of community collaboration during this phase. Alan D. Wapner, President of the OIAA Board of Commissioners and Ontario Mayor pro Tem, highlighted the project’s regional significance in the official release:

“Project BOLD is about more than building facilities, it’s about building the future of this airport and the region we serve. As demand continues to grow, we have a responsibility to ensure ONT remains convenient, accessible and ready to connect the Inland Empire with the world. This is the first step in a transparent and collaborative effort to shape ONT’s next chapter.”

Curt Hagman, San Bernardino County Supervisor and OIAA Board Vice President, echoed this sentiment, noting the strategic nature of the expansion:

“ONT BOLD represents a thoughtful, phased approach to meeting the demands of a fast-growing region. We’re investing in infrastructure that strengthens our role as a major passenger gateway and global supply chain hub, while maintaining the ease and efficiency travelers value.”

Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, also commented on the airport’s trajectory:

“We are proud of the trajectory we’re on, and even more excited about where we’re headed. We serve one of the most dynamic economic and population centers in the United States, and that gives us a unique opportunity, and responsibility, to lead.”

AirPro News analysis

The launch of the ONT BOLD environmental review signals a critical maturation point for Ontario International Airport. By investing heavily in international processing capabilities (the new FIS facility) and high-efficiency infrastructure like MARS gates, ONT is positioning itself to compete more directly with larger hubs such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The emphasis on maintaining its reputation for convenience while scaling up operations will be a delicate balancing act over the projected 10-year construction period.

Financially, the OIAA has made it clear that projects of this scale are typically funded through a combination of airport revenues, debt, passenger facility charges (PFCs), and federal or state grants. By explicitly stating that no local tax dollars will be used, airport leadership is likely aiming to preempt local financial concerns ahead of the May 21 public scoping meeting. We will continue to monitor the CEQA process as specific designs and cost estimates are refined.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ONT BOLD project?
ONT BOLD (“Building Our Legacy & Destiny”) is a proposed expansion program at Ontario International Airport. It includes the construction of a new 650,000-square-foot Terminal 3, modernization of Terminals 2 and 4, and various infrastructure upgrades including new roadways, parking, and a Central Utility Plant.

When will the expansion be completed?
The project is currently entering its environmental review phase. Once environmental approvals are secured, construction is projected to take up to 10 years.

How is the project being funded?
According to airport officials, the expansion will be funded through airport revenues, debt, passenger facility charges (PFCs), and federal/state grants. No local tax dollars will be used.

How can the public participate in the review process?
A Public Scoping Meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the OIAA Boardroom. The deadline for written public comments on the Notice of Preparation is June 8, 2026.

Sources: Ontario International Airport (PRNewswire)