John Wayne Airport recorded a year‑on‑year decrease in passenger traffic in May 2026, serving 953,260 passengers – down 2.8% from 980,663 in May 2025.
Commercial aircraft operations also declined, falling 1.6% to 8,052, while commuter aircraft operations dipped 0.9% to 699 compared with the same month last year.
Total aircraft movements dropped more sharply. The airport handled 26,870 take-offs and landings in May 2026, an 11.8% decrease from 30,464 in May 2025.
General aviation activity accounted for 67.4% of all aircraft operations, with 18,115 movements, a 15.9% decline year‑on‑year.
Southwest Airlines remained the airport’s largest carrier by passenger volume in May, handling 258,209 travellers. American Airlines followed with 168,264, and United Airlines ranked third with 156,215.
