McClellan-Palomar Airport

Location: Three miles southeast of Carlsbad at Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, 30 miles north of downtown San Diego.

History:

1957 -- County of San Diego picks Carlsbad site to replace Del Mar Airport.

1958 -- Construction begins.

1959 -- Airport opens March 20, for daytime operations.

1960 -- Terminal building constructed

1961 -- Airport expanded to a 4700’ runway.

1962 -- Terminal expanded, adding airport administrative offices.

1973 -- FAA control tower placed into operation March 26.

1977 -- Instrument landing system (ILS) and approach lights installed.

1978 -- Airport annexed into the City of Carlsbad.

1991 -- American Eagle Airlines begins scheduled service from Carlsbad to Los Angeles on April 15.

1994 -- United Express Airlines begins service to Los Angeles.

1996 -- FAA issues certification and permit to operate aircraft which carry in excess of 30 passengers.

1999 -- America West Express begins service to Phoenix April 4.

1999 -- New 3,600 sq. ft. temporary terminal installed in 24 hrs., April 7-8.

2007 -- Ground broken for new terminal building to combine airline terminal/security screening with restaurant, Customs facility and other amenities.

2009 -- Grand Opening of a new 18,000 sq. ft state-of-the-art terminal on January 29th.

The airport is named for aviator Gerald McClellan, a North County community leader.

Community: McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad is a gateway to and from San Diego’s North County. It serves the general aviation community, corporate aircraft and commercial services. 

What makes this airport so popular is its proximity to business and recreation. Major corporations and world-class resorts are just minutes from McClellan-Palomar. Some of the finest beaches in San Diego County are close to the airport and offer surfers, swimmers and sun worshipers balmy weather and beautiful ocean waters most of the year. Oceanside Harbor, with its shops, yachts and fishing boats, is a pleasant place to spend time. Legoland is two miles west of the airport.

The Olympic Resort is just across the street from the airport, La Costa Resort & Spa is just a short drive from McClellan-Palomar, and the Four Seasons Aviara Resort is also nearby.

McClellan-Palomar is an ideal spot for North County airline passengers who want to avoid a long commute and the congestion of downtown San Diego. Two regularly-scheduled airlines, America West Express and United Express, provide non-stop service to Phoenix and Los Angeles with connections to the world.

The airport is an important part of the community with its $108 million/year contribution to the local economy.

Directions to Long Term Parking Lot from Palomar Airport Road

Palomar Airport is just north of Palomar Airport Road and west of the intersection with El Camino Real.  

The 30 day parking lots may be accessed directly from the front of the terminal via the access road, or from Camino Vida Roble (one junction west of current airport main entrance) to Owens Avenue. Turn right onto Owens and the entrance to the parking area is at the top of the road. Parking continues to be free.

15-minute Parking

When entering the airport, make an immediate left turn then right, to the small 15-minute lot immediately in front of the terminal. Handicapped parking is also available in this area. Parking is free.

Passenger Drop Off and Pick Up

The terminal loading zone is for active picking up and dropping off ticketed passengers.

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