The McClellan - Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, CA is operated by the County of San Diego, not the city of Carlsbad. The airport has, in the past, operated commercial flights but currently is home to charter and air taxi services only, as well as private plane operators. For information about these operations, visit the airport website.
The City's Role
McClellan - Palomar Airport opened in 1959 in what at the time was an unincorporated part of San Diego County. After the City of Carlsbad expanded its boundaries to the south and east, the airport eventually came to be located in the City of Carlsbad.
To help protect Carlsbad’s quality of life, over the years the city has had multiple attempts to influence and continue to grow the airport in many ways, including through annexation, issuance of a conditional use permit (known as CUP 172) governing development on the site, and the City Council adoption in 1980 of a citizen initiative requiring a public vote before the CIty Council approves a zone change, general plan amendment or other legislative action allowing for an expansion of the airport.
Discussions about airport impacts and the legal and jurisdictional authorities intensified in recent years as the county developed a new airport master plan, which
Past Airline Services
The airport was previously served by United Express with flights that operated by SkyWest Airlines. In May 2015, they ended their service due to one of their smaller aircrafts.
American Eagle began service alongside Wings West Airlines both with commuter air carriers flying into Los Angeles (LAX) as well as a non-stop to Phoenix - Sky Harbor (PHX). In 1977, Scenic Airlines was flying nonstop to palm springs with direct flights to both Las Vegas (LAS) and PHX along with many more. All of the airlines that previously operated and were serviced out of Carlsbad operated either turboprop or prop aircraft on their services into the airport.
JetSuiteX announced charter flights to Burbank and San Jose starting in 20166 but due to low customer demand, they were canceled.
A new commercial jet airline service from Cal Jet by Elite Airways planned to operate daily commercial flights to LAS in 2017 becoming the first commercial service at the airport since 2015. This abruptly ended in April of 2018.
Now, there are two airlines that go out of McClellan - Palomar seasonally. JSX flies to Las Vegas beginning in October and ending in December and Advanced Air goes seasonally to Mammoth Lakes.
Aviation School
ATP flight school is the main aviation school at this airport housing more than 528 aircrafts. Alongside ATP, Palomar Aviation and Pinnacle Aviation Academy are runner up schools provided at this location as well. If attending these programs, not only are you receiving a steller education but you are also flying next to some of the best views in Southern California.
Community Events/Meetings
PAAC
The Palomar Airport Advisory Committee (PAAC) meets on the third Thursday of most months at the City of San Marcos Council Chamber. For more information call (760) 966-3281 or visit the PAAC website.
EAA
Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 286 (North County) meets on the first Sunday of each month (October-May) at the Palomar Administration office. For more information call Bob Wilson at (760) 489-9031.
99s
Palomar Chapter of 99’s is a womens flying group that meets on the second Tuesday of every month in the Palomar administration office. For more information call Robin Gartman at (760) 931-0546 or email [email protected]
What makes this airport so popular is its proximity to business and recreation. Major corporations and world-class resorts are just a few miles away from the airport. Some of the finest beaches in San Diego County are close to the airport and offer many opportunities for all kinds of visitors. La Costa Resort & Spa is just a short drive from McClellan-Palomar, and the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa is also nearby.
