John Wayne Airport

John Wayne Airport
IATA: SNA ICAO: KSNA FAA LID: SNA SNA Location of the Airport in California
Summary
Airport type	Public
Owner/Operator	Orange County
Serves	Orange County, California
Location	Santa Ana, California
Elevation AMSL	56 ft / 17 m
Coordinates	33°40′32″N 117°52′06″W
Website	www.ocair.com
Runways
Direction Length Surface ft m 1L/19R 5,701 1,738 Asphalt 1R/19L 2,887 880 Asphalt
Statistics (2010)
Total aircraft operations 200,278 GA operations 115,042 Passenger volume 8,663,452 Air Cargo/Tons 14.920M
Sources:DOT/BTS Website., Airport Website.

John Wayne Airport (IATA: SNA, ICAO: KSNA, FAA LID: SNA) is an international airport in an unincorporated area in Orange County, California, with its mailing address in the city of Santa Ana, which is also the county seat, hence the International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport code. The main entrance to the airport is off of MacArthur Blvd in Irvine, the city that abuts the airport from the north and east. Newport Beach and Costa Mesa form the southern and western boundaries, respectively, together with a small unincorporated area along the Corona del Mar (73) Freeway. Santa Ana lies just north, not actually touching the airport directly. Originally named Orange County Airport, the county Board of Supervisors renamed it in 1979 to honor the actor John Wayne, who resided in neighboring Newport Beach and died that year. It also became the first airport to be named after an entertainer.

The main runway, at 5,701 feet (1,738 m), is the shortest of any major airport in the United States, and passenger airliners at the airport have never been larger than the Boeing 757. (Some larger cargo aircraft fly from SNA, such as the FedEx A310/300.) Some gates are built to handle planes up to the size of a Boeing 767, which could operate with payload/fuel load restrictions. No wide-body passenger airliners have ever been scheduled at SNA.

John Wayne Airport Runways

John Wayne International Airport is the sole commercial airport within Orange County. General aviation operations outnumber commercial operations and several facilities at the airport serve the general aviation and corporate aviation community. The other general aviation airport within the county is Fullerton Municipal Airport. Other commercial airports within close proximity are Long Beach Airport, followed by Los Angeles International Airport and LA/Ontario International Airport. In 2008, John Wayne Airport was the second busiest airport in the area (by passenger count) with almost 9 million total passengers.

The largest airlines at John Wayne Airport are Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Tran, and Alaska Airlines.

John Wayne Airport is 14 miles (23 km) from Orange County's signature attraction - the Disneyland Resort. By contrast, Los Angeles International Airport is 35 miles (56 km) from Disneyland.

A statue of the airport's namesake welcomes passengers passing through the arrivals area on the lower level.

History

FAA diagram of John Wayne Airport (SNA)

The first airstrip on the grounds was constructed in 1923, when Eddie Martin founded a flying school on land owned by the Irvine Company. It was purchased through a land swap by the County of Orange in 1939 and remains under the County's ownership and management.

After serving as a military base during World War II, it was returned by the federal government to the County with the stipulation that it remain open to all kinds of aviation uses.

During the 1950s the only airline flights were Bonanza's few flights between Los Angeles and Phoenix, via San Diego. In 1963 Bonanza started nonstop F27s to Phoenix, and to Las Vegas in 1965; in 1967 Air California started Electras nonstop to San Francisco, 48 flights a week each way. The first scheduled jet flights were Bonanza DC-9s later in 1967.

In 1967, the 22,000-square-foot (2,000 m²) Eddie Martin Terminal was constructed to accommodate 400,000 annual passengers. Remodeling added two passenger holding areas in 1974, a new baggage claim area in 1980 and a terminal annex building in 1982, bringing the facility to 29,000 square feet (2,700 m²).

Nonstop flights reached Salt Lake City in 1976-77 (Hughes DC9s), Denver in 1982 (Frontier MD80s), Dallas-Fort Worth in 1983 (American MD80s), Chicago in 1986 (AirCal 737-300s), and New York Kennedy in 1991 (America West 757s).

After the Orange County Airport (SNA) was renamed the John Wayne Airport (SNA) in 1979, and John Wayne International Airport (KSNA/SNA) in Summer of 2012, Arrival and Departure Monitors in airports throughout the country continued to identify the airport as Orange County, which is the nickname for the OMB Metropolitan Designation, Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, California. To commemorate the Airport's namesake, the John Wayne Associates commissioned sculptor Robert Summers to create nine-foot bronze statue of "the Duke." The nine-foot statue, created at Hoka Hey Foundry in Dublin, Texas, was dedicated to the County on November 4, 1982. Today, the bronze statue is located in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal on the Arrival Level.

In 1990, the Thomas F. Riley Terminal opened to the public. The aging 29,000-square-foot (2,700 m²) Eddie Martin Terminal was replaced with a modern 337,900-square-foot (31,390 m²) facility. The new facility included 14 loading bridges, four baggage carousels, wide open spaces and distinct roadside arrival and departure levels. In 1994, the then-unused Eddie Martin Terminal was then demolished.

Terminal Groundbreaking 1988, October 1988

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a new, larger airport was proposed for the nearby site of the then recently closed El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. However, after a series of political battles, combined with significant opposition from residents in the vicinity of El Toro, the proposal was defeated, and no new airport was built.

In 2011, additional Terminal space was added and existing terminals were refreshed. A new Terminal C with six additional gates was built along with dedicated commuter gate areas in the new Terminal C and new commuter facilities in Terminal A. A new parking lot C was added along with additional support facilities such as a Central Utility plant.

The airport has previously been served by Aloha Airlines (2001-2008), Virgin America (2009-2010) and Air Canada (2010).

Airfield information

John Wayne viewed from the south in 2009.

John Wayne Airport covers 500.82 acres (2.0267 km²) of land. The airport has multiple general aviation facilities, a main commercial airline building split into two terminal areas, and 2 paved runways.

• Runway 1L/19R: 5,701 x 150 ft (46 m). (1,738 x 46 m), Commercial Aircraft, General Aviation serving most incoming and departing traffic to the west of the airport. ILS equipped.
• Runway 1R/19L: 2,887 x 75 ft (23 m). (880 x 23 m), General Aviation, Light Aircraft

Aircraft noise abatement and curfew

Main article: Aircraft noise

A 1985 settlement agreement defined the scope of operation for John Wayne Airport in how it affects the local community. The area that lies directly South of John Wayne Airport is considered a noise sensitive area. The agreement in conjunction with a Phase 2 Commercial Airline Access Plan and Regulation controls the number of noisier operations (mainly commercial aircraft) allowed from the airport. Noise abatement enforcement is carried out with the aid of 10 permanent noise monitoring stations. These stations are placed in areas that exceed a Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) of 65 dB.

The short primary runway (19R/1L), coupled with the local noise restrictions, can require a takeoff at or near full power (95-97% power). Some aircraft departing from the airport may cycle to full power while holding at the runway then release the brakes when engines are fully spooled up. On operations from runway 19R a steep climb may also be required to allow for a power reduction at about 500–700 feet for a quieter overflight over the city of Newport Beach. For 19R departures a left turn after departure to 175 degrees allows for a passage over Newport Beach within the confines of the noise abatement profile. Departures from 1L (normally during Santa Ana wind conditions) are not affected by these noise abatement procedures. Landings almost always include full flap extensions, and the use of full reverse thrust.

The county prohibits commercial departures between 10:00PM and 7:00AM (8:00AM on Sundays) and commercial arrivals between 11:00PM and 7:00AM (8:00AM on Sundays). Exceptions can be made for an emergency, mechanical, air traffic control or weather delay, which is beyond the control of the airline.

In 2003, the settlement agreement was amended to increase operations, but focused on increases only for aircraft meeting the lowest noise signatures.

Access and noise reports are published by the airport and are available to the public. These reports are generated on a regular basis and outline curfew exceptions per carrier and overall noise impact.

Terminals

Terminals

Terminal C Gate Areas

Terminal C Commuter Gates

The main passenger terminal, the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, is named for the late county supervisor who lobbied for the airport's expansion in the 1980s. The Thomas F. Riley Terminal is divided into three terminal areas, A, B and C with dedicated commuter gate areas at the North end of Terminal A and South end of Terminal C.

All three Terminals, A, B and C are within the same Thomas F. Riley building and security screened passengers can move "airside" between all terminal areas. Security screening lanes exist in all three terminal adjacent to check in. All security screening areas also have a "fast track" lane for first class and elite frequent fliers. Switching between Terminals indoors before security "landside" is also possible, the check in counter areas between all three terminals have connecting walkways to allow access between all Terminals. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in all three terminals.

Terminals A and B

Terminals A and B were built in 1990 to replace the former Eddie Martin Terminal which was closed upon the new terminals opening. In November 2011 Terminal A added a dedicated commuter gate area along with refreshed gates, signage and information displays at both Terminal A and B.

Terminals A, B were designed by Gensler & Associates, Leason Pomeroy Associates, and Thompson Consultants International. They contain restaurants, bars and shops, with a themed restaurant located in the air side connecting area of both terminals. In the upper rotunda above the themed restaurant is an American Airlines Admirals Club (operating out of Terminal A) and a United Club (operating out of Terminal B).

Terminal C

Terminal C opened in November 2011 and added 6 new gates, a dedicated commuter gate area and new eateries and retail.

Terminal C also provides a US Customs and Border Protection FIS/Federal Inspection Service for international flights that do not do pre-clearance. Two arrival gates feed into the FIS and passengers once cleared exit at the South end of the Terminal C arrivals area. It was designed by Gensler.

Arrivals level

The Arrivals level is on the lower level of the airport and provides seven baggage claim belts, two in Terminal A, two in Terminal B and three in Terminal C. Immediately outside the baggage claim is the curbside arrivals pickup area. Rental car offices are in between Terminal A and B baggage claim areas with most rental agencies on site in the lower levels of the parking facility across the arrivals pickup area between Terminal A and B. Across the roadway from the arrivals pickup area between Terminal A and B is an island for public transportation including taxis, buses and the Disneyland Resort Express.

Airlines and destinations

Airlines	Destinations	Terminal
AirTran Airways operated by Southwest Airlines	Las Vegas, Mexico City, San Francisco, San José del Cabo	C
Alaska Airlines	Portland (OR), Seattle/Tacoma	A
American Airlines	Chicago-O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth	A
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City	A
Delta Connection operated by Compass Airlines	Salt Lake City	A
Frontier Airlines	Denver	C
Interjet	Guadalajara, Mexico City , San José del Cabo [all begin September 14, 2012; subject to government approval]	C
Southwest Airlines	Chicago-Midway, Denver, Houston-Hobby [begins November 4, 2012], Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose (CA)	C
United Airlines	Chicago-O'Hare, Denver, Houston-Intercontinental, Newark, San Francisco	B
United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines	Denver, San Francisco Seasonal: Mammoth Lakes	B
US Airways	Phoenix	B
US Airways Express operated by Mesa Airlines	Phoenix	B
WestJet	Vancouver Seasonal: Calgary	A

International Service

Two gates support international arrivals from countries without United States Border Preclearance. This allows the airport to support flights from Mexico and possibly Central American or Caribbean countries where the runway length and aircraft provides sufficient nonstop range.

WestJet provides service to Vancouver (began May 2011) and seasonal service to Calgary (began June 2011). Both flights from Canada complete Immigrations and Customs formalities in Canada via United States Border Preclearance.

Southwest Airlines subsidiary AirTran Airways began new service in June 2012 from John Wayne Airport to Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City. It was the first International service to use the new FIS in Terminal C.

John Wayne Airport previously had service on Air Canada to Toronto, discontinued in 2010. Alaska Airlines provided International service to Vancouver in 2002 however shortly after launch a stop in Seattle (or change of planes) was required as John Wayne airport was not authorized for pre clearance or International flights by US Agencies.

Scheduled cargo service

Airlines	Destinations
FedEx Express	Memphis, Oakland
UPS Airlines	Louisville, Phoenix, Ontario

Top destinations

Busiest Domestic Routes from SNA (March 2011 - February 2012)

Rank	City	Passengers	Carriers
1	Phoenix, AZ	490,000	Southwest, US Airways
2	Denver, CO	431,000	Frontier, Southwest, United
3	Dallas/Fort Worth, TX	430,000	American
4	San Francisco, CA	346,000	Southwest, United
5	Seattle, WA	303,000	Alaska
6	Chicago, IL (ORD)	271,000	American, United
7	San Jose, CA	245,000	Southwest
8	Oakland, CA	237,000	Southwest
9	Las Vegas, NV	221,000	Southwest
10	Sacramento, CA	198,000	Southwest

Ground transportation

Bus

The airport is served by OCTA routes 76 and 212. Both routes run only on weekdays.

Irvine iShuttle

The City of Irvine's iShuttle route A serves the airport and Tustin Metrolink station. The iShuttle service runs only during weekday rush hours. Route A services John Wayne International Airport.

Taxis and private shuttles

Taxis and private shuttles are also available from the Ground Transportation Center located outside the lower level between Terminal A and B.

Disneyland Resort Express

The Disneyland Resort Express provides regular service from the airport to Disneyland Resort and Anaheim Resort Hotels.

Car rental

On site car rentals are available in the basement level of the Parking A2/B2 garages. Off site car rental shuttles are available at the Ground Transportation Center.

Car/parking

The airport has 4 parking garages open in the main terminal area, A1, A2, B2 and C. Valet parking is available between at a drop off/pick up area Terminals A and B and between Terminals B and C. An off airport parking lot (Main Street Parking) is also available at 1512 Main Street in Irvine with free shuttle service to the terminals.

Aircraft incidents

On February 17, 1981, Air California (AirCal) Flight 336 (a Boeing 737-200), flying from San Jose, California, to John Wayne Airport, crashed upon initiating a go-around. The crew was cleared for a visual approach to Runway 19R while the controller had cleared another flight to take off from 19R. Upon realizing the mistake, the controller ordered Air California 336 to go around and the other aircraft to abort its takeoff, which it did. The captain of the landing Air California aircraft delayed the go-around then initiated a gear up procedure before a positive rate of climb was achieved, causing the plane to stall. The 737 then banked left at low altitude causing the left wingtip to make contact with the runway. Then the nose came down and struck the ground and the airplane pirouetted and inverted and skidded down the runway before coming to rest in the margin. A fire started, four passengers sustained minor injuries, and 91 other passengers and 5 crew exited without incident. The aircraft, registration number N468AC, was damaged beyond repair and was written off.

On August 16, 1987, Northwest Airlines Flight 255, (a McDonell-Douglas MD-82) flying from Detroit Metro Airport to John Wayne Airport with an intermediate stop at Phoenix, Arizona, crashed during takeoff from Detroit, killing 154 of 155 passengers and crew on board and two persons on the ground. One of the contributing factors in the crash was the crew's concern about arriving at John Wayne Airport before the 11:00 p.m. commercial airline arrival curfew.

On December 15, 1993, a chartered IAI Westwind business jet carrying two flightcrew members and three passengers (including Rich Snyder, president of In-N-Out Burger), crashed while on approach to John Wayne Airport. All five occupants were killed in the crash. The aircraft, which departed Brackett Field, thirty miles to the north in La Verne, California, followed a Boeing 757 for landing, became caught in the 757's wake turbulence, rolled into a deep descent and crashed near the intersection of State Route 55 and Edinger Avenue. The crash investigation led to the FAA requirement for an adequate period between heavy aircraft and following light aircraft to allow wake turbulence to diminish.

See also

• California World War II Army Airfields

References

Notes

External links

• John Wayne Airport (Official Site)
• Terminal Maps/Layout (Official Site)
• John Wayne Airport Improvement Program (Official Site)
• John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement
• FAA Airport Diagram (PDF), effective September 5, 2024
• Orange County Sheriff's Department John Wayne Airport Police Services
• Resources for this airport:
  • AirNav airport information for KSNA
  • ASN accident history for SNA
  • FlightAware airport information and live flight tracker
  • NOAA/NWS weather observations: current, past three days
  • SkyVector aeronautical chart for KSNA
  • FAA current SNA delay information