Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM)

Brown Field Municipal Airport is a general aviation reliever airport serving San Diego and the Otay Mesa community near the U.S.–Mexico border. Opened in 1918 as East Field, the airfield later became a naval auxiliary station before the City of San Diego took ownership in 1962, with the requirement that it remain a public-use airport. Located about 13 miles (21 km) southeast of downtown San Diego, Brown Field relieves congestion at San Diego International Airport by accommodating private, corporate, charter, cargo, flight training, and other general aviation activity. It also operates as a U.S. port of entry, with customs facilities supporting flights arriving from Mexico. The airport has two runways, including a 7,972-foot primary runway, and is served by fixed-base operators offering fueling, aircraft maintenance, tiedowns, hangars, and related services. Recent redevelopment plans include a new FBO and customs facility as part of the San Diego Airpark project. Road access is available via State Routes 905 and 125 and Interstates 5 and 805, making it practical to continue by car, rental car, or private transfer to downtown San Diego, the South Bay, and other parts of the San Diego region.