With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Orange County's John Wayne Airport opens new terminal after $550 million expansion
Listen
1:00
Orange County's John Wayne Airport opens new terminal after $550 million expansion
John Wayne Airport in Orange County Monday unveils a new terminal and other improvements after a more than half-billion dollar expansion and renovation project.
John Wayne Airport in Orange County Monday unveils a new terminal and other improvements after a more than half-billion dollar expansion and renovation project.
John Wayne Airport has a new Terminal C with six new gates and a new parking building with 2,000 spaces. Airport officials say the project is complete, on time and on budget.
The expansion and renovation project took off under bright economic skies, first approved seven years ago. It lands amid post-recession turbulence.
Air travel is down. But airport and regional transit officials are banking on a long-term outlook, at least 20 years out, that suggests more demand is on the radar. Bonds and fees on travelers covered most of the improvement costs.
Sponsored message
The airport is also set now to handle a few flights to and from Mexico and Central America. The question is whether any airline will get on board to add those flights.
Last week Orange County added new incentives, including a $300,000 rent credit, that might attract airlines to offer the flights.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
