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The Board of Supervisors delayed a vote related to a contract with American Airlines at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad. Photo by Kristina Blokhin
The Board of Supervisors delayed a vote related to a contract with American Airlines at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad. Photo by Kristina Blokhin
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Supervisors delay vote on American Airlines deal at Palomar Airport

CARLSBAD — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors postponed a decision Wednesday on a proposed lease agreement with American Airlines at McClellan-Palomar Airport following a motion citing the absence of Supervisor Joel Anderson, who was out sick.

The board’s decision to delay came amidst heated public feedback and formal objections to the deal from residents and the city of Carlsbad, revealing sharp divisions over the proposal.

In July, The Coast News reported that American Airlines plans to launch up to two daily flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor and McClellan-Palomar Airport beginning Feb. 13, 2025, using Embraer E175 aircraft operated by its subsidiary, Envoy Air.

The county has not yet approved a lease agreement for the airline, citing concerns over the airport’s current design, which primarily accommodates smaller aircraft. The decision to delay the vote comes after the Carlsbad City Council strengthened its regulatory authority over land use and potential expansion at the airport in November.

Specifically, the council voted to prevent unauthorized airport expansions, limit development to existing boundaries as a general aviation facility, codify state definitions of “airport” and “airport expansion,” and require conditional use permits for any new or expanded airport-related activities.

McClellan-Palomar Airport is currently served by charter operators JSX Air and Advanced Air, which fly smaller planes, including the Embraer E145 and Dornier Do328-300, to destinations such as Las Vegas, Mammoth Lakes and Scottsdale.

American Airlines also faces challenges in complying with the airport’s Voluntary Noise Abatement Program, which prohibits flights before 7 a.m. The carrier has proposed a 6:15 a.m. departure to connect passengers to its Phoenix hub, raising additional concerns among local officials.

Dahvia Lynch, the county’s deputy chief administrative officer, has recommended the board approve a two-year lease for American Airlines and waive $351,428 in partial fees for the first year of operations to facilitate the new service.

Carlsbad officials raised concerns in a Dec. 10 letter addressed to the Board of Supervisors, with Mayor Keith Blackburn outlining objections to the proposed lease and changes to Board Policy F-44, which governs airport operations.

Blackburn argued that the lease and policy changes could undermine the city’s authority over airport-related land use decisions.

“We are concerned that American Airlines’ plans to provide service at McClellan-Palomar Airport irrecoverably commits the County to implementing larger runway protection zones or safety areas as compared with the current B-II classification,” Blackburn wrote.

The letter also highlighted concerns about using Embraer 175 aircraft, which exceed the airport’s B-II operational classification, and early-morning flight schedules that conflict with the airport’s Voluntary Noise Abatement Procedures (VNAP).

“Ensuring compliance with the VNAP would demonstrate the County’s commitment to being a good neighbor and to addressing legitimate community concerns,” said Blackburn, stressing the importance of adhering to quiet hours.

Activists and community members also raised broader concerns about the lease agreement’s impact. Hope Nelson, representing Citizens for a Friendly Airport, criticized the continuance.

“The people who have spoken in favor of a continuance have a vested interest in the airport,” Nelson said. “I think it’s time that you recognize the other side of the equation (for) the activists who have sat here for two and a half hours now, please do not continue this.”

Residents who opposed the continuance expressed frustration over the board’s perceived disrespect for their time and concerns about transparency.

“I feel like I’ve wasted my whole morning being here at a time in my life that is very difficult to be here,” said Cindy Vanolia, a Carlsbad resident.

Ron Berg, another Carlsbad resident, said, “To have the continuation like this at the last minute … it’s an insult to the citizens.”

Since the board approved the motion to delay the vote, with Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer dissenting, the proposed lease and policy changes will be revisited later.

The delay leaves unresolved questions about balancing federal aviation obligations with community concerns. The board’s eventual decision will have far-reaching implications for Carlsbad residents, environmental standards, and the future of McClellan-Palomar Airport operations.

In closing his letter, Blackburn urged further dialogue.

“We urge the County to condition this agreement or postpone its approval to allow for greater dialogue between the city and the County,” he wrote.

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