John Wayne Airport reports passenger growth but decline in international travel for August

General aviation activity dropped by 18.1% for the month but increased by 4.0% on a year-to-date basis. Commercial operations grew by 3.1% in August and were up by about 1.2% so far this year.

Commuter flights increased significantly with a jump of 38.0% for the month and a rise of over half (54.4%) when comparing yearly totals.

Military aircraft operations fell by one-fifth (20%) for the month and declined nearly as much on a yearly basis.

Air cargo tonnage was up sharply at John Wayne Airport for July—the most recent available data—with a total of approximately 1,400 tons handled during that month compared to just over 1,156 tons last July; this represents an increase of more than one-fifth (21%). However, overall air cargo handled through the year was down by about 5.7% compared to last year's figures.

International passenger traffic decreased at John Wayne Airport both for August and on a year-to-date basis; there were 24,630 international passengers this past August—a drop of almost one-fifth (19.6%) from last year’s numbers—and cumulative international travelers are down about 15% so far this year.

Breakdowns show that all-cargo carriers transported most of the freight with 1,302 tons, while passenger carriers accounted for 98 tons as incidental belly cargo during July.

The statistics include all Canada and Mexico commercial passengers and operations.