CARLSBAD, Calif. — United Airlines has announced plans to resume commercial flights from McClellan-Palomar Airport in North County starting March 30, 2026, marking the airline’s first return to the Carlsbad airport in over a decade.
“United used to fly into Carlsbad. It’s been over a decade ago, and it was on a smaller airplane to just Los Angeles. So we’re no stranger to the airport,” said Mark Weithofer, United’s managing director of domestic network planning.
United ended its Palomar operations in 2015, citing the lack of suitable aircraft for the airport’s runway. According to Weithofer, advancements in aircraft technology have now made the return possible.
“The evolution of the aircraft in the regional network has enabled this,” he explained.
New Routes to Denver and San Francisco
The airline plans to use Embraer 175 jets, which seat approximately 70 passengers, to operate:
- Two daily round trips to Denver, and
- Two daily round trips to San Francisco.
If approved, these will be the first-ever commercial routes from Palomar to Denver and San Francisco.
“There’s already a lot of demand that uses San Diego to get to these destinations, and we think offering service to Carlsbad will make it even easier for customers,” Weithofer said.
This would make United the second commercial carrier at McClellan-Palomar, following American Airlines, which launched twice-daily service to Phoenix earlier this year.
Boost for North County’s Economy
Local business leaders say the move could bring major benefits to North County’s growing population and economy.
“The flights that have been announced and the flights that have been in place really serve North County’s leisure and business travel,” said Erik Bruvold, CEO of the San Diego North Economic Development Council.
He noted that 1.2 million people live north of State Route 56 and that roughly 37% to 38% of San Diego County’s jobs are based in North County.
Currently, travelers must drive about 35 miles south to San Diego International Airport or nearly 60 miles north to John Wayne Airport in Orange County for most commercial flights.
Legal and Regulatory Hurdles
Despite local support, United’s proposal still requires approval from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, expected in early 2026.
Not everyone welcomes the expansion. The group Citizens for a Friendly Airport has an active lawsuit against the county over existing American Airlines service, alleging violations of California’s Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and other local regulations.
The group’s attorney, Cory Briggs, criticized the county’s approach in a statement:
“It appears that the county is planning to compound its illegal use of the airport for large commercial flights by adding yet another airline.”
He added that the organization would “monitor the plan” and take further legal action if necessary.
County spokesperson Donna Durckel defended the proposal, stating that:
“As a commercial airport, McClellan-Palomar is required to accommodate these regional aircraft flights. These operations are allowed within the airport’s Conditional Use Permit and Master Plan.”
Flight Schedule and Next Steps
Under United’s proposal, the earliest daily flight would depart around 7:30 a.m., with the last return flight landing before 10 p.m., aligning with the airport’s Voluntary Noise Abatement Program.
Weithofer said that if demand is strong, United could expand service further in the future.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to review and vote on the lease agreement with United Airlines in January or February 2026.
