(North County Beat) – The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has postponed its decision on a proposed lease agreement with American Airlines for operations at McClellan-Palomar Airport. The delay, announced Wednesday, followed a motion to defer the vote due to the absence of Supervisor Joel Anderson, who was unable to attend due to illness.
The proposal has sparked considerable public debate, with residents and Carlsbad city officials voicing strong opposition. Concerns about potential airport expansion, environmental impacts, and noise abatement dominated discussions, highlighting divisions over the deal.
Controversial Lease and New Flight Plans
In July, reports indicated that American Airlines intends to introduce up to two daily flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and McClellan-Palomar starting February 13, 2025. The service would utilize Embraer E175 aircraft operated by the airline’s subsidiary, Envoy Air. However, the county has not yet finalized a lease agreement, citing unresolved issues with the airport’s design, which currently supports smaller aircraft.
The Carlsbad City Council recently strengthened its oversight of land use at the airport, implementing measures to prevent unauthorized expansion and require conditional use permits for any new development. These regulations are designed to preserve the airport’s role as a general aviation facility and restrict growth beyond existing boundaries.
Noise and Safety Concerns
American Airlines’ plans have raised additional concerns related to the airport’s Voluntary Noise Abatement Program (VNAP), which prohibits flights before 7 a.m. The airline has proposed a 6:15 a.m. departure, prompting local officials to question the potential impact on noise standards and community relations.
In a letter to the Board of Supervisors, Carlsbad Mayor Keith Blackburn outlined the city’s objections. He emphasized that allowing the lease could necessitate larger runway safety zones, conflicting with the airport’s current operational classification. Blackburn also criticized the early-morning flight schedule and highlighted the challenges of accommodating Embraer 175 aircraft within existing airport guidelines.
“Ensuring compliance with the VNAP would demonstrate the County’s commitment to being a good neighbor and addressing legitimate community concerns,” Blackburn stated.
Community Opposition and Frustration
During the public hearing, local activists and residents expressed frustration over the proposed lease and the decision to delay the vote. Hope Nelson, representing Citizens for a Friendly Airport, criticized the continuance, urging the board to consider the community’s perspective.
“This delay disrespects the concerns of activists and residents who have been waiting for this discussion,” Nelson said.
Other residents shared their dissatisfaction, with some viewing the delay as a lack of transparency. Cindy Vanolia, a Carlsbad resident, remarked, “It feels like our concerns are being sidelined, and our time is not valued.”
Future Implications
The board ultimately voted to defer the decision, with Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer opposing the continuance. The proposed lease agreement, along with policy amendments affecting airport operations, will be revisited in a future session.
The delay leaves unresolved questions about how the county plans to balance federal aviation requirements with the community’s interests. The outcome will likely have significant implications for Carlsbad residents, environmental standards, and the long-term role of McClellan-Palomar Airport.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Blackburn called for further collaboration between the county and the city. “We urge the County to postpone this agreement and engage in meaningful dialogue to address these pressing issues,” he wrote.
The board’s eventual decision will shape the future of regional aviation and its impact on the surrounding community.
