Owais Crawford
John Wayne Airport (IATA: SNA, ICAO: KSNA, FAA LID: SNA) is an international airport in California that serves Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area. Originally named Orange County Airport, it was renamed in 1979 to honour actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach. The airport is home to nearly 500 general aviation aircraft, and includes two runways—a 2,887-foot runway for general aviation, and a 5,700-foot main runway for commercial and general aviation aircraft. In addition to the airline terminal, the airport features parking options, a museum, and various facilities that serve the general aviation and corporate aviation community.
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What You'll Learn
John Wayne Airport history
John Wayne Airport is an international airport serving Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area in California. The airport is located in an unincorporated area of Orange County and is owned and operated by the county. It is surrounded by the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa, and its IATA airport code, SNA, is registered to Santa Ana, the county seat.
The airport was originally named Orange County Airport. However, on June 20, 1979, it was renamed John Wayne Airport in honour of actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and passed away that year. A 9-foot bronze statue of "the Duke" was installed at the airline terminal in 1982 and remains there today in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal on the Arrival Level. The Thomas F. Riley Terminal opened in 1990, replacing the aging Eddie Martin Terminal with a modern, larger facility.
John Wayne Airport is the sole commercial airport in Orange County. In 2014, it was the second busiest airport in the Greater Los Angeles area by passenger count, with over 9 million total passengers. As of 2023, the largest airlines at the airport include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines. The airport has two runways, with the main runway being the shortest in the United States that handles regularly scheduled international flights.
In recent years, there have been some controversies associated with the airport's name. In June 2020, a request was made to change the airport's name due to comments made by John Wayne in a 1971 interview that were perceived as supportive of white supremacy. Despite this, the airport has continued to operate under the name John Wayne Airport.
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Location and ownership
John Wayne Airport (IATA: SNA, ICAO: KSNA, FAA LID: SNA) is located in an unincorporated area of Orange County, California, and is owned and operated by the county. The airport is surrounded by the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa, and its IATA airport code is registered to Santa Ana, the county seat. The airport is about 13 miles from Anaheim and 34 miles from Los Angeles Airport (LAX).
The airport began as a private landing strip in the early 1920s and was gradually developed into a small airport with a portable, wooden hangar. The County of Orange acquired the airport in 1939 and took control of its operations. During World War II, the airport served as an Army Airbase. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, it continued to serve small, private aircraft. In 1952, a commercial air carrier introduced airline service to Orange County.
Originally named Orange County Airport, the airport was renamed John Wayne Airport on June 20, 1979, in honour of actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and died that year. A 9-foot bronze statue of "the Duke" was installed at the airport in 1982. The Thomas F. Riley Terminal opened in 1990, replacing the aging Eddie Martin Terminal.
John Wayne Airport is an international commercial and general aviation airport that serves Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area. It is the sole commercial airport in Orange County and is classified as a primary commercial service airport, with over 10,000 passenger boardings per year. The airport spans more than 510 acres and operates two runways, with the main runway at 5,700 feet in length, making it the shortest runway in the United States that handles regularly scheduled international flights.
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Facilities and runways
John Wayne Airport, located in Orange County, California, is an international airport that serves both commercial and general aviation. It is the sole commercial airport in the county, and it is surrounded by the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa. The airport is easily accessible, especially for those travelling to Anaheim, and is just 13 miles away from Garden Grove, Irvine, and the rest of Orange County.
The airport has a rich history, beginning as a private landing strip in the early 1920s. Over time, it expanded into a small airport with a wooden hangar. The airport was renamed from Orange County Airport in 1979 to honour actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and passed away that year. A 9-foot bronze statue of "the Duke" was installed in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal in 1982. The terminal, which opened in 1990, covers 337,900 square feet and includes 14 loading bridges, four baggage carousels, and distinct arrival and departure levels.
John Wayne Airport has two runways. The main runway, 2L/20R, is 5,700 feet long, making it the shortest runway in the United States that handles regularly scheduled international flights. This runway serves both commercial and general aviation aircraft. The second runway, which serves general aviation, is 2,887 feet long. The airport is home to nearly 500 general aviation aircraft, with general aviation operations outnumbering commercial operations.
In addition to the terminals and runways, John Wayne Airport offers various facilities for travellers. There are several parking options, including Terminal parking, Curbside Valet Parking, and Off-Airport Parking at the Main Street parking lot. Transportation services such as rental cars, shuttles, taxis, and ride-sharing options are also available at the Ground Transportation Center on the Arrival Level.
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Art and exhibitions
John Wayne Airport, located in Orange County, California, is not just a hub for aviation but also a place that celebrates art and creativity. The airport, originally named Orange County Airport, was renamed in honour of the legendary actor John Wayne, who lived in the neighbouring Newport Beach and passed away in 1979.
A stunning 9-foot bronze statue of "the Duke", created by sculptor Robert Summers, stands tall in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal on the Arrival Level. The statue was commissioned by the John Wayne Associates and dedicated to the County in 1982. The detailed sculpture captures the essence of John Wayne and serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.
In addition to the statue, the airport has also showcased various art exhibitions and collaborations. For example, in April 2025, the airport presented a collaborative project with Cypress College, highlighting the creative talents of students from the college's Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) division. This initiative not only added a cultural dimension to the airport but also provided a platform for emerging artists to display their work.
The Lyon Air Museum, founded by Major General William Lyon in 2009, is another artistic gem located in a hangar on the west side of the airport. The museum showcases a unique blend of aviation history and artistic expression, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while also appreciating the aesthetic aspects of aircraft design and innovation.
John Wayne Airport, with its blend of aviation, art, and community initiatives, exemplifies how airports can transcend their functional roles and become cultural gateways that inspire travellers and locals alike. The inclusion of artistic elements within the airport environment enhances the overall experience, providing a sense of local identity and a break from the monotony of travel.
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Transport and parking
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located in Santa Ana, California, and serves Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area. The airport is conveniently positioned just 13 miles from Anaheim and 20 minutes from attractions such as Disneyland, making it a popular choice for travellers visiting the region.
John Wayne Airport offers a range of parking options for travellers. Terminal parking is accessible from the Departure (upper) Level, where curbside valet parking is available. Additionally, the airport provides off-site parking at the Main Street parking lot, with a free shuttle service to the Riley Terminal running every 15 minutes.
For those travelling to and from the airport, there are several transport options available, including rental cars, shuttles, taxis, limousines, and ride-sharing services such as Uber, Lyft, and Wings. Most of these transportation services pick up travellers at the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) on the Arrival (lower) Level, which is within walking distance from all baggage claim areas.
The airport is easily accessible from nearby cities such as Garden Grove, Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa. With its convenient location and transport options, John Wayne Airport provides a seamless travel experience for passengers visiting Orange County and the surrounding areas.
The airport has two runways, with the main runway being 5,700 feet long, serving both commercial and general aviation aircraft. John Wayne Airport is a bustling hub, accommodating over 9 million total passengers in 2014 and continuing to grow as a primary commercial service airport.
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Frequently asked questions
John Wayne Airport's IATA code is SNA, which comes from Santa Ana, where the airport is located.
The Thomas F. Riley Terminal at John Wayne Airport has 14 loading bridges, four baggage carousels, wide-open spaces, and distinct arrival and departure levels. A 9-foot bronze statue of John Wayne, or "the Duke", is also located on the Arrival Level.
John Wayne Airport is just 13 miles from Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center, and it is a quick trip to Garden Grove, Irvine, and the rest of Orange County.
As of 2023, the largest airlines at John Wayne Airport were Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines.
John Wayne Airport began as a private landing strip in the early 1920s and grew into a small airport with a portable, wooden hangar. The County of Orange acquired the airport in 1939 and took control of its operations. During World War II, the airport was used as an Army Airbase. In 1952, a commercial air carrier introduced airline service to Orange County. The airport was renamed from Orange County Airport to John Wayne Airport in 1979 to honour actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and died that year.
