AirlinesAirports.com
Powered by Google TranslateTranslate
Travel planning byTravelerPulse.pro
McClellan-Palomar Airport Regional Airport illustrationRegional Airport
Airports
CLDmedium airport

McClellan-Palomar Airport

Carlsbad, United States
Explore Carlsbad city guide Navigate to this airport
1
Routes out
1
Destinations
KCRQ
ICAO
331 ft
Elevation
AirlinesAirports profile

San Diego County's general aviation and commuter hub.

Opened
1959
Location
Carlsbad, United States
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD/KCRQ) is a public-use airport located in Carlsbad, California, within San Diego County. It primarily serves general aviation traffic alongside limited scheduled commercial service, making it a convenient alternative to San Diego International Airport for north county residents. The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 331 feet above mean sea level and features a single runway (runway 24/6). It is owned and operated by the County of San Diego and handles a mix of private aircraft, corporate jets, charter flights, and some scheduled passenger service. The facility is named in honor of Major Lorne Palomar and Colonel Hezekiah McClellan, both of whom had ties to aviation history in the region. Its location in north San Diego County provides convenient access to communities such as Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, and San Marcos.
Terminals
The airport has a small, single terminal building that handles limited commercial and charter passenger operations.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation options include taxis, rideshare services, and rental cars; no direct rail or bus rapid transit connection serves the airport.
Airlines here
United Express (operated by SkyWest Airlines) has historically provided scheduled service at Palomar, though commercial service has fluctuated over the years.
Notable facts
  • ›The airport is owned and operated by the County of San Diego.
  • ›It has a single runway designated 24/6, approximately 4,897 feet in length.
  • ›The airport sits at an elevation of about 331 feet MSL in north San Diego County.
  • ›Named after Major Lorne Palomar and Colonel Hezekiah McClellan.
  • ›It serves as a reliever airport for San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Official website Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Route map (1 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

United Airlines
UA

Routes

CLD → LAXUA · EM2

Aircraft operating here

Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia1 routes
Hotels near CLD

Pick what matters for your layover or early flight, then compare on your favorite booking site.

Compare stays for your dates

AirlinesAirports may receive compensation when you book or purchase through some of the links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability are set by the booking provider and may change. We never share your private trip details with partners — only the destination, dates and party size you searched.

City & Place Guide

Sun, flowers, and surf on Southern California's beautiful coast.

Carlsbad is a laid-back coastal city in San Diego County, California, known for its pristine beaches, mild Mediterranean climate, and family-friendly attractions. The city blends small-town charm with world-class amenities, drawing visitors year-round.

Beyond its famous flower fields and theme parks, Carlsbad boasts a walkable village area filled with boutiques, seafood restaurants, and craft breweries. Its location between Los Angeles and San Diego makes it an easy destination or a convenient base for exploring the broader Southern California region.

  • •The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch — 50-acre ranunculus blooms dazzling from March through May.
  • •LEGOLAND California — iconic theme park perfect for families with young children.
  • •Carlsbad State Beach — wide sandy shores ideal for surfing, swimming, and sunset strolls.
  • •Museum of Making Music — interactive museum tracing 100 years of American popular music.
  • •Carlsbad Village — charming downtown strip with local shops, cafés, and public art.
  • •Batiquitos Lagoon — peaceful nature reserve great for birdwatching and quiet walks.

Getting around: The Coaster commuter rail connects Carlsbad to downtown San Diego with stops at Poinsettia and Carlsbad Village stations. NCTD bus routes serve the broader area, but a rental car is strongly recommended for reaching beaches, LEGOLAND, and the Flower Fields efficiently. Uber and Lyft are readily available, and the flat coastal terrain makes cycling a practical option.

Best time: Spring (March through May) is the best time to visit, when the famous flower fields are in bloom and temperatures are warm but not yet crowded with summer tourists.

Local food: Don't miss fresh fish tacos, locally caught seafood at harbor-side restaurants, and craft beers from Carlsbad's growing brewery scene.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via CLD? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for United States from official government sources.

United States visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →
McClellan–Palomar Airport
Encyclopaedia

McClellan–Palomar Airport is a county-owned public airport located 3 miles southeast of downtown Carlsbad in San Diego County, California. The airport opened in 1959, replacing Del Mar Municipal Airport. It supports both general aviation and limited commercial service. As of March 2013, it was the fourth-busiest single-runway airport in the United States.

Read full article on Wikipedia

Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification