News & Facts

Santa Ana, CA – John Wayne Airport (JWA) officials are expecting a busy 4th of July weekend as Orange County travelers depart for their summer holiday vacations. The holiday is traditionally one of the busiest travel weekends of the year with the heaviest airport traffic expected this Friday and next Monday.

“The 4th of July holiday period is always busy for us,” said Airport Director Alan Murphy. “In anticipation of heavy passenger loads this weekend – and for the rest of the summer – we recently added eight new security checkpoints to help speed passenger and carry-on baggage screening at the airport. The $4.5 million project allowed us to double our screening capacity and drastically reduce passenger wait times.”

Airport officials are still urging passengers, however, to make sure they arrive at the Airport early, leaving ample time to park their car, check their baggage, and get through security. They are also urging people to leave their fireworks at home.

“It is illegal to carry fireworks and firework novelty items in checked or carry-on baggage,” said Murphy. “Those who do so are subject to heavy fines, civil penalties, and possibly, even criminal prosecution. We don’t want to see people put themselves and their fellow travelers at risk.”