The Ontario International Airport (ONT) in Ontario, California, recently opened the expanded passenger security checkpoint area in Terminal 2, introducing new generation security screening equipment and passenger guidance systems to enhance security screening efficiency and passenger flow. The upcoming completion of a similar upgrade in Terminal 4 is also expected in the near future.
This project, which has been in progress for many years, is one of the most significant improvements to the passenger process system at Ontario International Airport since its return to local management in November 2016. The new security checkpoint area combines modern security technology with the aim of reducing passenger wait times and providing a more convenient and efficient travel experience.
Since returning to local management, ONT has experienced rapid growth, with annual passenger throughput increasing from about 4.3 million to over 7 million, making it one of the fastest-growing commercial airports in the United States. The airport has stated that the expansion of the security checkpoint will help accommodate the increase in passenger volume while maintaining ONT’s convenient and high-efficiency service characteristics.
Alan D. Wapner, Chairman of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) and Vice Mayor of Ontario, mentioned that local management allows the airport to plan for development from a longer-term perspective, meeting current demands and investing in future infrastructure in advance. With more and more passengers choosing ONT, the airport will continue to provide safe, convenient, and efficient aviation services.
The upgrade project for Terminal 2 includes the addition of two security lanes, enhancing the airport’s capacity to process passengers during peak hours, as well as reconfiguring the security exit locations to improve passenger flow within the terminal building. The new exit channels also utilize advanced technology to further optimize the overall security screening process.
The soon-to-be-completed upgrade for Terminal 4 will include an additional security lane and similar security exit enhancement facilities as those in Terminal 2.
The upgraded security checkpoint area integrates multiple intelligent devices, including enhanced monitoring systems, new document verification equipment, upgraded CCTV systems, and digital information display screens to assist passengers in completing security screening and boarding processes more quickly.
ONT has stated that as the population and economy of the Inland Empire region in Southern California continue to grow, the airport will continue to invest in infrastructure to create a more future-ready aviation transportation hub that meets the upcoming demands.