Ontario International Airport Adds New Sonoma County Connection for 2026

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Published on
October 25, 2025

Beginning in March 2026, Ontario International Airport (ONT) will introduce a new daily nonstop route to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, the gateway to California’s renowned Wine Country. This new route marks Ontario’s 31st nonstop destination and strengthens Ontario International Airport’s connection to Northern California, providing leisure and business passengers with ease of travel.

New Route to Sonoma County

The new route, operated by Alaska Airlines, will launch on March 18, 2026, adding another layer to Ontario’s growing roster of flights within California. It will become the fifth nonstop service from ONT to a Northern California airport, joining existing routes to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, and Oakland. This expansion will allow travelers in Southern California to enjoy faster, direct access to one of the state’s most popular tourist regions, known for its vineyards, scenic beauty, and cultural offerings.

For many travelers, Sonoma County offers a gateway to the scenic Wine Country. Located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma is a coveted destination for wine lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst California’s breathtaking landscapes. With the new ONT-STS nonstop route, it will become easier for Southern California residents to explore the area’s charming towns, world-class wineries, and abundant outdoor activities.

Comfortable and Convenient Air Travel

The daily service from Ontario will be operated using the Embraer ERJ-175 aircraft, which features a comfortable seating arrangement with 12 first-class seats, 16 premium class seats, and 48 seats in coach. With a flight time of just over an hour, this route will offer quick and seamless travel between Southern and Northern California, ideal for both business and leisure travelers.

Alaska Airlines’ Commitment to Ontario

This expansion further reinforces Ontario International Airport’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, focusing on providing top-tier services and travel options for passengers. This route also complements Alaska Airlines’ long-standing partnership with the airport, as the airline has been offering a variety of routes from Ontario for over four decades.

For those flying to Sonoma County, Alaska Airlines offers its popular “Wine Flies Free” program, which allows passengers to check in a case of wine without additional charge. This added benefit could make this new route particularly attractive to wine enthusiasts looking to transport their purchases back home from Sonoma County.

Enhanced Connectivity for Both Business and Leisure Travellers

The launch of this nonstop service is expected to enhance travel for both tourists heading to California’s Wine Country and business professionals seeking a convenient and efficient connection between these two regions. It also contributes to the ongoing development of ONT as a significant hub in Southern California, adding another layer of connectivity and convenience for residents of the Inland Empire and the greater Los Angeles area.

A New Era of Travel Connectivity Between Southern and Northern California

The launch of nonstop flights from Ontario to Sonoma County shows the increased demand for direct services linking major cities in California. From March 18, 2026, Alaska Airlines will launch daily flights, granting Southern Californians further access to the natural beauty and world-renowned wineries in Northern California’s Wine Country. This service will make travel between these two important destinations a better experience as travelers take quick vacations or travel for business. Fewer transit days mean more days to experience Sonoma County!