John Wayne Airport: A Tribute To The Legend

John Wayne Airport (IATA: SNA, ICAO: KSNA, FAA LID: SNA) is an international airport in Orange County, California, serving the Greater Los Angeles area. It is located in an unincorporated area of Orange County, surrounded by the cities of Irvine, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa. The airport is named after the actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and died in 1979, the same year the airport was renamed in his honour.

John Wayne Airport's history

John Wayne Airport, originally named Orange County Airport, has been a cornerstone of Orange County for over 100 years. The airport began as a private landing strip in the early 1920s, founded by aviation pioneer Eddie Martin on Irvine Company land. In 1923, Martin founded a flying school and Martin Aviation, one of the nation's oldest aviation firms.

In 1939, the County of Orange acquired the airport through a land swap with the Irvine Company. During World War II, the airport served as an Army Airbase and a military base. After the war, the federal government returned the airport to the County of Orange with the stipulation that it remain open to all types of aviation uses.

In the 1950s, the airport began to experience significant growth. A commercial air carrier introduced airline service to Orange County in 1952, and a new runway and terminal building were constructed in the late 1950s and 1960s. The airport continued to expand over the next few decades, with the addition of new parking and terminal facilities, and an increase in the number of daily airline departures. By the 1980s, the airport was serving approximately three million passengers annually.

In 1979, the Orange County Board of Supervisors renamed the airport John Wayne Airport in memory of the late actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and passed away that year. A 9-foot bronze statue of John Wayne, nicknamed "the Duke", was installed in the Thomas F. Riley Terminal in 1982.

Today, John Wayne Airport is the sole commercial airport in Orange County, serving approximately 11.7 million annual passengers and offering flights to over 40 non-stop destinations in the US, Mexico, and Canada. The airport covers 504 acres and operates two runways, with the main runway being the shortest in the US that handles regularly scheduled international flights.

John Wayne Airport's location

John Wayne Airport is located in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California. It is around 35 miles south of Los Angeles, with a service area that includes over three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County. The airport is located in an unincorporated area of Orange County, and it 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 is registered to Santa Ana, the county seat.

John Wayne Airport is the main airport serving Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area. It is also known as the "Santa Ana Airport" or "Orange County Airport" for its location in Santa Ana, California. The airport is named after the actor John Wayne, who was originally from neighbouring Newport Beach and died in 1979.

The airport is easily accessible and is located next to the interchange between I-405 (San Diego Freeway) and MacArthur Boulevard. It is also near I-405's interchange with SR 55 (Costa Mesa Freeway). The airport is served by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) route 76, which runs on weekdays from 6 am to 6 pm.

John Wayne Airport is an international commercial and general aviation airport. It offers flights to more than 20 nonstop destinations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with more than 250 arrivals and departures each day. The airport has two runways: a 5,700-foot main runway that serves commercial and general aviation aircraft and a 2,887-foot runway that serves general aviation.

John Wayne Airport's facilities

John Wayne Airport Facilities

John Wayne Airport (SNA) is a vibrant and modern airport serving Orange County, California. Named after the iconic actor, the airport offers a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers.

The airport boasts a diverse range of dining options, including quick-service restaurants, cafes, and sit-down dining establishments. Passengers can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from fresh Californian fare to international favorites. For those looking to grab a quick bite or a coffee, there are several cafes and grab-and-go options available both pre and post-security.

Retail options at John Wayne Airport cater to travelers' last-minute needs and offer a selection of unique, locally inspired gifts and souvenirs. Passengers can find convenience stores, newsstands, and specialty shops selling a range of items, including travel essentials, electronics, books, and snacks. For those looking for a memento of their trip, there are also shops offering locally crafted items and Orange County-themed gifts.

The airport provides comprehensive services for passengers with reduced mobility and special needs. Accessible restrooms, TDD telephones, and designated parking spaces are available. Additionally, passengers can request wheelchairs and electric carts, and the airport offers a complimentary escort service to assist passengers with mobility challenges in navigating the airport.

John Wayne Airport also features a range of other amenities, including banking services, ATMs, and currency exchange kiosks located conveniently throughout the terminal. For business travelers, there are workstations, as well as a dedicated business center offering printing, faxing, and copying services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, enabling passengers to stay connected and entertained during their time at the airport.

For passengers requiring assistance, the airport's information counters and help desks are located in convenient locations within the terminal. The airport's friendly staff are on hand to provide wayfinding assistance, answer queries, and offer information on airport facilities and services, ensuring a seamless travel experience for all visitors to John Wayne Airport.

John Wayne Airport's transport links

John Wayne Airport is located in an unincorporated area of Orange County, California, around 35 miles south of Los Angeles. The airport is named after the actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and died in 1979.

The airport is located near the interchange between I-405 (San Diego Freeway) and MacArthur Boulevard. It is also close to I-405's interchange with SR 55 (Costa Mesa Freeway). Heading south from the airport on MacArthur Boulevard provides access to SR 73 (Corona del Mar Freeway), which becomes the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor (a toll road).

Bus

The airport is served by bus routes to Disneyland Resort, Irvine and other nearby destinations.

Train

There is no direct connection between John Wayne Airport and the railway network.

Taxi

Taxis are available from the Ground Transportation Center, located outside the lower level between Terminals A and B. Taxis can also be found in Terminal C on the Arrival (lower) Level. A taxi ride to Santa Ana city centre takes around 15 minutes.

Shuttle

Shuttle services are available from the Ground Transportation Center, located on the Arrival (lower) Level between Terminals A and B. Shuttle services require a minimum of 24 hours' advance reservation.

Car

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.

Transportation Network Companies

Transportation network companies Lyft, Uber and Wingz are available for drop-off and pick-up services.

John Wayne Airport's former name

John Wayne Airport, located in Orange County, California, was originally called Orange County Airport. The airport was renamed in 1979 in honour of the actor John Wayne, who lived in neighbouring Newport Beach and died that year.

The airport is an international commercial and general aviation airport, serving Orange County and the Greater Los Angeles area. It is the sole commercial airport in Orange County and is currently served by eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines. The airport is owned and operated by the County of Orange and has been a cornerstone of the region for over 100 years.

The history of the airport dates back to the early 1920s when it began as a private landing strip. Over the years, it gradually expanded, and in 1939, the County of Orange acquired the airport and took control of its operations. During World War II, the airport served as an Army Airbase, and in the late 1940s and early 1950s, it continued to cater to small, private aircraft. Commercial airline service was introduced to Orange County in 1952, marking the beginning of significant growth for the airport.

In 1979, the Orange County Board of Supervisors made the decision to rename the airport after John Wayne, and a statue of the actor was installed at the airline terminal in 1982. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years, striving to provide a superior experience for its passengers.

Frequently asked questions