McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)

McClellan-Palomar Airport is a public airport owned and operated by the County of San Diego, serving Carlsbad and the wider North County region of San Diego County, California. Opened in 1959, the airport replaced the former Del Mar Municipal Airport and has grown from a general aviation field into a compact gateway for regional commercial, charter and corporate flights.

Located about three miles southeast of central Carlsbad and roughly 30 miles north of San Diego, the airport offers convenient access to coastal communities such as Oceanside, Encinitas and Del Mar, as well as attractions including LEGOLAND California. A modernized passenger terminal opened in January 2009, adding an 18,000-square-foot facility with parking and the on-site Landings restaurant.

The single passenger terminal handles a limited number of scheduled and seasonal flights alongside a busy general aviation operation served by fixed-base operators and corporate facilities. The airport's single runway and compact layout make for short walking distances between parking, check-in, security and the departure area.

Travelers can reach Carlsbad, Oceanside and nearby North County destinations by car, taxi, rideshare or pre-arranged private transfer, with rental cars available at the terminal. For wider travel, the airport provides a practical alternative to San Diego International Airport for passengers flying to and from the region's northern coastal communities.