News Summary
A United Airlines flight from John Wayne Airport to Newark faced delays due to bad weather conditions in Newark. It took off at 10:10 p.m. after getting permission to bypass the airport’s nighttime curfew. The curfew restricts flights between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. to minimize noise disturbances for nearby residents. Waivers for delays can be issued under certain conditions, and penalties apply for unauthorized departures. Additionally, a strike affecting Air Canada has caused further flight disruptions at the airport.
Newport Beach, California – A United Airlines flight, originally set to depart from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Newark, New Jersey, at 9:10 p.m., encountered a delay due to adverse weather conditions in Newark. The flight was ultimately cleared for takeoff at 10:10 p.m., necessitating approval from airport authorities to proceed beyond the airport’s nighttime curfew.
The nightly curfew at John Wayne Airport restricts departing flights from taking off between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., while ending at 8 a.m. on Sundays. In contrast, landing flights are permitted an additional hour and may arrive until 11 p.m. The curfews at the airport are in place to mitigate noise disturbances in the nearby residential neighborhoods, resulting in strict noise control measures being enforced.
Weather Delays and Curfew Waivers
Waivers can be awarded for late departures when circumstances beyond the airline’s control arise, such as severe weather or mechanical failures. County operations officers are responsible for issuing these waivers and typically do so within half an hour after the curfew begins. Departures that occur without an approved curfew extension face potential financial consequences, with fines ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for each violation attributed to the aircraft.
Regulation Overview
It is crucial to note that air traffic controllers are not responsible for enforcing curfew regulations; these rules are mandated by the airport itself. The airport has implemented a system for residents to file noise complaints online, accessible through the website ocair.com under the section for “Noise Events.” Though general aviation flights, such as private jets and non-commercial flights, are not bound by the same curfew rules, pilots are encouraged to reduce noise when flying in and out of the airport.
Additional Context and Related Events
In addition to the weather-related delays, a recent strike initiated by the Canadian Union of Public Employees has impacted Air Canada flights, leading to multiple cancellations at John Wayne Airport as well as other airports in Southern California. Travelers using the airport may experience further complications due to these labor disputes.
Amidst these discussions of air travel, a separate incident involving an autonomous vehicle drew attention. The vehicle reportedly executed an illegal U-turn, raising questions about the applicability of vehicle laws when there is no human driver accountable. This situation underscores the ongoing legal challenges associated with new technological advances in transportation.
As travelers prepare for the ongoing effects of weather and regulations on flight schedules, the importance of staying informed of changes and potential impact on travel plans remains essential. John Wayne Airport continues to enforce its curfew to balance the needs of air travel with those of its neighboring residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Air Traffic Control Failures Cause Nationwide Disruption
FAA Imposes Flight Cap at Newark Airport Amid Construction
Flight Reductions Loom as Newark Airport Faces Air Traffic Control Woes
Radar Trouble at Newark Airport: Another Outage Shakes Air Travel
Major Technical Outage Strikes Newark Liberty Airport
Communication Breakdown Causes Chaos at Newark Airport
Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Jetliners Using John Wayne Airport During Curfew Hours
- Wikipedia: John Wayne Airport
- Daily News: Air Canada Flight Attendant Strike Affects Flights
- Google Search: John Wayne Airport curfew regulations
- Private Jet Card Comparisons: JSX Gets New Home at John Wayne Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Transportation
- Newsweek: Pilot Critiques Dangerous John Wayne Airport
- Google News: Air Canada strike 2025

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.