McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) — Carlsbad, California

McClellan-Palomar Airport (FAA identifier: CLD) is a public-use general aviation and commercial service airport located in Carlsbad, California, in the northern reaches of San Diego County. Situated at an elevation of 331 feet above mean sea level, the airport occupies approximately 600 acres in the coastal hills of Carlsbad, roughly 35 miles north of downtown San Diego and 85 miles south of Los Angeles. The airport is owned and operated by San Diego County and serves as the primary commercial and general aviation gateway for the North County San Diego region, including communities such as Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido.

The airport features a single runway — Runway 24/06 — measuring 4,897 feet in length and 100 feet in width, surfaced in asphalt. The runway orientation and length make CLD well-suited for regional turboprop and regional jet operations, as well as a wide variety of general aviation aircraft. Instrument approaches include an ILS/LOC procedure on Runway 24 and GPS approaches on both ends, enabling operations in reduced visibility conditions. The airport's control tower operates during daytime hours, providing air traffic control services to the steady volume of corporate, charter, flight training, and scheduled airline traffic that uses the facility daily.

McClellan-Palomar Airport is named in honor of two pioneers in San Diego aviation history. Edgar Palomar was a local aviator in the early 20th century, and Senator John McClellan was instrumental in securing federal funding for airport improvements. The airport has served North County San Diego since the 1940s and was significantly expanded and modernized in subsequent decades to accommodate growing demand. Today it handles hundreds of aircraft operations per day, making it one of the busiest general aviation reliever airports in Southern California.

On the commercial side, McClellan-Palomar Airport has historically hosted scheduled passenger service. United Express operated regional flights from CLD to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and other hubs using Embraer regional jets, providing residents of North San Diego County with a convenient alternative to driving to San Diego International Airport (SAN) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The terminal building includes passenger check-in facilities, TSA security screening, a gate area, and ground transportation connections, offering a notably streamlined and less congested travel experience compared to the major regional airports.

The airport hosts a range of fixed-base operators (FBOs) and aviation service providers. These include fuel services for both 100LL avgas and Jet-A, aircraft maintenance and avionics shops, aircraft rental and charter operations, and multiple flight schools. The Palomar Airport Business Park, adjacent to the airfield, hosts aerospace and technology tenants drawn by the airport's infrastructure and proximity to San Diego's robust defense and technology economy. LEGOLAND California, the famous theme park, is located less than two miles from the airport, making CLD a convenient arrival point for visitors traveling to Carlsbad's many attractions.

Ground transportation from McClellan-Palomar Airport includes rental car services, rideshare pickups, and taxi connections. The airport is easily accessible from Interstate 5 via Palomar Airport Road, one of the main commercial corridors in Carlsbad. Nearby hotels and the Carlsbad Premium Outlets shopping center make the airport neighborhood a convenient destination in its own right. The broader Carlsbad area is known for its beaches, the Flower Fields, and a thriving technology and life sciences business community along the I-5 corridor.

For pilots, McClellan-Palomar Airport offers a well-maintained environment with modern navigational aids, a pilot lounge, self-service fuel options, and active flight training programs. The airport participates in the FAA's General Aviation Airport program and receives regular capital improvement funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Recent infrastructure investments have focused on runway resurfacing, terminal upgrades, and enhanced instrument approach procedures to improve safety and capacity. CLD remains a critical asset for San Diego County's transportation network, providing relief capacity and convenient access for the 300,000-plus residents of the North County region.

McClellan Palomar Airport - CLD Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Carlsbad, California.

Name McClellan Palomar Airport - CLD
Address 2192 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad CA 92011 Map
Phone (760) 431-4646
Website
Hours

Map of McClellan Palomar Airport - CLD


Airports near Carlsbad

Frequently Asked Questions — McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), Carlsbad, CA

McClellan-Palomar Airport has hosted scheduled commercial service through United Express, offering flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The route connected North County San Diego travelers to United Airlines' hub at SFO using Embraer regional jets. Availability of commercial service has varied over time based on carrier decisions and demand, so travelers are advised to check current schedules directly with airlines or at the airport's official site. The airport also supports extensive charter service and corporate aviation, expanding destination options beyond scheduled routes.

McClellan-Palomar Airport is located approximately 5 miles east of the Carlsbad Village area and the Pacific coastline, accessible via Palomar Airport Road off Interstate 5. Downtown San Diego is approximately 35 miles to the south, roughly a 40-minute drive under normal traffic conditions via I-5 or I-15. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 85 miles to the north. The airport's North County location makes it significantly more convenient than SAN or LAX for residents of Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido, San Marcos, and Encinitas.

Yes, rental car services are available at McClellan-Palomar Airport through major providers operating on or near the airport property. Rideshare services including Uber and Lyft serve the terminal pickup area. Taxi service is also available. The airport is directly accessible from Palomar Airport Road, which connects to Interstate 5 within minutes, making driving the most flexible option for reaching destinations across North San Diego County. Hotel shuttles serve several nearby properties along the Carlsbad and Bressi Ranch corridors.

McClellan-Palomar Airport is well-equipped for general aviation. The airport offers both 100LL avgas and Jet-A fuel, with self-service and full-service options available through on-site FBOs. Pilot services include a lounge, weather briefing resources, tie-down and hangar rentals, aircraft maintenance, and avionics repair. Multiple flight schools at CLD provide primary through instrument and commercial training. The airport has an operating control tower during daytime hours and supports ILS, GPS, and RNAV instrument approach procedures, making it suitable for both VFR and IFR operations year-round.

McClellan-Palomar Airport is owned and operated by the County of San Diego, Department of Public Works. As a county-operated facility, it receives funding and oversight through San Diego County's airport system, which also includes Ramona Airport and Borrego Valley Airport. Capital improvements at CLD are funded in part through the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The airport is classified as a general aviation reliever airport in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS), reflecting its role in reducing traffic pressure on San Diego International Airport (SAN) while serving the distinct travel needs of North County communities.

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