Commuter terminal debuts at John Wayne Airport

John Wayne Airport on Thursday marked the completion of a new commuter terminal, one of the last steps toward completion of a half-billion-dollar expansion.

Crews since 2006 have been toiling on a $543 million project that's adding a third terminal area, an on-site power plant, parking for vehicles and aircraft, concessions, shade structures for private planes, passenger boarding bridges and various modern conveniences, such as parking garage signs indicating available spaces.

The commuter terminal that opened this week is near I-405 at the airport's north end; a second commuter terminal, also serving shorter-range destinations, will debut in mid-November along with the new terminal and a 2,000-space parking garage.

Some travelers, however, will get a taste of the new terminal this month.

Two gates are being closed for renovation, and their loss will be offset by use of two gates in the new terminal.