Ensuring Safety:
Our Top Priority
Where Protection and
Preparedness Never Rest
At John Wayne Airport, protecting people is paramount. From the moment guests arrive to the moment they depart, we employ cutting-edge technology, comprehensive emergency preparedness, and vigilant security measures to create an environment where safety is never compromised. Our commitment extends beyond compliance—we strive to anticipate challenges and maintain JWA as one of the safest airports in the nation.
Our work in 2025
Strengthened checkpoint security with advanced validation
We deployed card readers at TSA checkpoints to validate that employees possess a physical badge and are authorized to access the sterile area of the Terminal—adding an essential layer of protection for guests.
New Airport Emergency Plan outlines detailed response procedures for emergency incidents.
Enhanced
visibility across
the Airport
We deployed more than a dozen new camera views to provide continuous camera coverage throughout the Terminal and surrounding high-traffic areas, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and rapid response capabilities.
Revolutionized
employee
credentialing
We implemented Airbadge, a new cloud-native Identity Management System, which streamlined the background check process and reduced onboarding time from months to weeks or even days—helping us maintain a fully staffed, security-cleared workforce.
Bags checked in 2025.
Modernized critical
infrastructure for
reliability
We continued to upgrade and replace systems, ensuring our technology remains secure and dependable.
Achieved maintenance excellence through
strategic planning
We completed our Maintenance Implementation Plan and implemented the Future of Maintenance, transitioning from reactive to proactive system replacement.
Launched safety-focused training for
maintenance teams
We established the Shift Kick-Off (SKO) Safety-Focused Training program, which includes a rapid risk assessment process to identify the most hazardous work tasks for each shift.
There are over 5500 Airport-issued ID badged employees at JWA.
Completely rewrote our emergency response framework
We completed a six-month project that encompassed a full rewrite of the entire Airport Emergency Plan.
Empowered the
community with preparedness knowledge
We led our first Airport Preparedness and Safety Fair, in support of National Preparedness Month.
What’s ahead in 2026?
We’ll prepare
for world-class sporting events
We’ll begin planning and implementing security procedures and coordinate facility modifications in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games.
We’ll strengthen
our digital
backbone
We’ll complete the Network Upgrade and Resiliency project, to provide faster, redundant internet connections, expanded bandwidth, and modern firewall infrastructure.
We’ll test our
emergency readiness at the highest level
We’ll design, plan, coordinate and execute the Triennial Aircraft Emergency Response Exercise (AIREX), ensuring all responders are prepared.
We’ll enhance our
explosive detection capabilities
We’ll complete the Explosive Detection Team Facility Improvements Project, providing our canine teams with improved resources to keep the Airport secure.
