John Wayne Airport (JWA) is located along the northern boundary of the City of Newport Beach. Residential and commercial uses are located directly below the airport’s primary departure pattern for commercial and general aviation aircraft. Monitoring and mitigating the airport’s operations and related impacts, and attempting to ensure the airport does not expand, will always be top priorities for the City and its residents.
JWA began as a private landing strip in the 1920s. As the population of Orange County and the Southern California region steadily increased over the years, so did the demand for, and nature of, air transportation. JWA now serves nearly 10 million passengers each year, with general aviation, commercial aircraft and private jets sharing its runway, terminal and storage facilities. The airport’s growth has brought a number of adverse impacts - such as noise, traffic and aircraft emissions – that pose significant threats to the quality of life for Newport Beach residents.
In addition, the Newport Beach City Council and a number of Orange County cities (known as the “Corridor Cities”) located along the airport’s arrival and departure corridors have publicly agreed to oppose:
- Any expansion of JWA beyond its current physical footprint;
- A second commercial runway or the extension of the existing runway;
- Any significant reduction in general aviation operations / facilities, which could allow for more commercial aircraft use; and
- Any detrimental change to air carrier or general aviation noise ordinances.
Newport Beach believes that the coordinated, collective efforts of local citizen groups, the Corridor Cities, and the County are essential to controlling the adverse impacts of JWA and protecting the quality of life here for this and future generations of residents. There are numerous governmental committees and community groups that meet regularly to discuss and address airport issues.
If you would like more information about the City’s efforts, please contact City Manager Dave Kiff at (949) 644-3000