Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines is preparing to begin new flights between its hub at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Carlsbad, California, in less than two months. However, amid the excitement and anticipation, a group local to the beach city strongly opposes the airline’s plan.
The flights would reportedly mark American’s return to McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) after a hiatus of nearly three decades. The airport’s notably short runway has become a concern for airlines, but statistics show it will be safe for the regional aircraft the carrier plans to use.
Denying the new service
An attorney from Carlsbad local group, Citizens for a Friendly Airport, sent a letter to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors earlier this month, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune. On behalf of the group, Kathryn Pettit from Chatten-Brown Law Group urged the county to deny American from operating at McClellan-Palomar Airport.
Photo: Simone Hogan | Shutterstock
Simple Flying was among the first to report the airline had filed plans to fly between the Valley of the Sun and Carlsbad . Just in time for the Spring travel rush, American will offer two daily flights on the Embraer E175 beginning February 13, 2025. The service will be operated by Envoy Air – one of American’s wholly-owned regional subsidiaries – under the American Eagle brand.
“Incompatibly large aircraft”
Located about 30 miles north of San Diego International Airport (SAN) , McClellan-Palomar handles private and general aviation almost entirely. Earlier this year, JSX began regularly scheduled service at the airport with flights to Scottsdale Airport (SCF), which is just outside of Phoenix . The air carrier, which has a fleet of ERJ-135s and -145s, will also begin year-round flights to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK) in March, according to Travel + Leisure.
Photo: The Global Guy | Shutterstock
Citizens for a Friendly Airport argues that American’s E175 operations would bring commercial flights “not previously authorized” to McClellan-Palomar, and violate San Diego County’s updated master plan.
“This contract with American Airlines is yet another example of the county’s efforts to circumnavigate the substantive requirements for changing the airport’s designation by contracting with incompatibly large aircraft,” the letter said, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.
The airport’s runway is 4,897 feet in length. By comparison, SAN’s runway is 9,401 feet long, while John Wayne Airport (SNA) , about 60 miles north in Orange County, is home to one the shortest runways for commercial aircraft , at 5,700 feet.
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The E175, however, would not have any takeoff issues at McClellan-Palomar. According to GlobalAir, it requires a minimum runway length of 4,137 feet for takeoffs and 4,131 feet for landing. Nonetheless, Citizens for a Friendly Airport believes the “jet is far too large” for safe operations at CLD, according to an email obtained by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
Another concern is the E175’s noise levels. While both inbound and the second outbound flights are scheduled to arrive during the day, the first PHX-bound flight has a departure time just after 06:00.
"This is a real issue for us in Carlsbad," one resident told San Diego CBS local affiliate KFMB. "So we'll have traffic early in the morning before the quiet hours lapses at 7am. They're proposing a 6:15 takeoff, so 'Good Morning Carlsbad! right? We're going to be woken up by that."
While the E175 is much quieter than a mainline aircraft, it is likely louder than JSX’s ERJs. Another resident simply said, "It is too early, too big and too noisy."
Simple Flying reached out to American about the local group and residents' concerns, but the carrier declined to comment.
Benefiting travelers and the economy
In a statement obtained by KFMB, San Diego County Airport Director Jamie Abbott defended American’s new service.
"Palomar Airport is structured, equipped, and allowed under FAA guidance to accommodate commercial flights to and from its facilities. Commercial airlines have provided service from Palomar in the past, and we would love to offer the service to North County travelers again. Offering flights from Carlsbad to Phoenix is not an expansion of the airport. It also does not require approval by the City of Carlsbad.”
Abbott also explained that commercial flights would be “good news” for the economy as they would support over 2,500 jobs and generate more than $460 million in annual revenue. Although considered a small city, Carlsbad hosts several thousand tourists each year, thanks to Legoland California.