The funding, channeled through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, bolsters airfield infrastructure that has seen significant traffic increases since the airport returned to local control in 2016. Passenger volume has surged from 4.3 million to over 7 million annually during this period. The upcoming project follows the 2024 completion of a $90 million reconstruction of the south runway, which updated primary infrastructure without disrupting airline operations.

Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board, framed the grant as a sign of sustained confidence in the airport’s regional importance. U.S. Representative Norma Torres, who serves on the Appropriations Committee, emphasized that the federal infusion is essential for maintaining safety standards as the airport expands its service capacity. This award complements a separate $10.81 million grant secured last year for taxiway reconstruction, further solidifying the facility's role as a critical economic engine for the Inland Empire.