Improvement Program History

The Thomas F. Riley Terminal opened in September 1990 and features natural stone, stainless steel and a glass-enclosed central lobby. Designed to resemble an airplane fuselage, the Terminal provides a similar look and feel from anywhere within a 360-degree vantage point. Today, the Terminal continues to be an elegant and efficient gateway for Orange County travelers. The Improvement Program will allow the County to continue to build on the first-class standard we’ve provided for nearly two decades.

January 2003 - Settlement Agreement Amended

Amendments to the 1985 Settlement Agreement allowed John Wayne Airport to increase passenger levels and daily departures and add up to six new passenger loading bridges.

October 2004 – Board of Supervisors Adopts Environmental Documents

The Board of Supervisors adopted the construction-level FSEIR Certification and Project Approval Resolution and CEQA finding pertaining to the Settlement Amendment Implementation Plan (SAIP).

December 2005 - Board of Supervisors Adopts Financing Plan

The Orange County Board of Supervisors adopted a financing plan for the Airport Improvement Program. The plan relies on a variety of funding sources including the collection of a Passenger Facility Charge (PFC). For more information about the financing plan, click here.

• View John Wayne Airport History