
San Diego McClellan Palomar Airport (CLD) is a smaller airport located in Carlsbad, California. It is a gateway to and from San Diego's North County, serving the general aviation community, corporate aircraft, and commercial services. The airport is known for its proximity to business and recreation, with major corporations and world-class resorts just minutes away. While it has a history of various airlines operating from the airport, as of 2020, Taos Air operates seasonal skiing-oriented flights to and from Taos Regional Airport in New Mexico.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Diego McClellan-Palomar Airport |
| Airport Code | CLD/KCRQ |
| Location | Carlsbad |
| Nearest Major City | San Diego |
| Airlines | American Airlines, Taos Air, Advanced Air, Surf Air, Clay Lacy Aviation, BizAir Shuttle, JetsuiteX, Cal Jet by Elite Airways, California Pacific Airlines, American Eagle, Wings West Airlines, United Express, SkyWest Airlines, WestAir Airlines, US Airways Express, Scenic Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Imperial Airlines |
| Destinations | Phoenix, Taos Regional Airport (New Mexico), Mammoth Lakes, Las Vegas, Selected California cities, Burbank, San Jose, Reno, Oakland, Sacramento, Cabo San Luis, Los Angeles, Palm Springs |
| Flight Frequency | Busiest day is Monday with an average of 1 flight |
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CLD is San Diego McClellan Palomar Airport
San Diego McClellan-Palomar Airport, also known as Carlsbad-Palomar Airport, is a smaller airport located in Carlsbad, California. The airport serves San Diego's North County, including popular destinations such as Oceanside Harbor and Legoland, which is just two miles west of the airport.
The airport is a hub for general aviation, corporate aircraft, and commercial services. It has previously been served by airlines such as United Express, SkyWest Airlines, American Eagle, and Wings West Airlines. In 2015, BizAir Shuttle operated scheduled services to LAX and Las Vegas using Dornier 328JET aircraft.
McClellan-Palomar Airport is known for its proximity to business and recreation. Major corporations and world-class resorts are just a short distance from the airport, including La Costa Resort & Spa and the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. The airport is also conveniently located near some of the finest beaches in San Diego County, offering year-round balmy weather and beautiful ocean waters for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers.
In recent years, the airport has seen new commercial jet services and seasonal flight offerings. In 2017, Cal Jet by Elite Airways announced plans for daily commercial flights to Las Vegas, with the hope of adding other destinations. Additionally, in early 2020, Taos Air inaugurated seasonal skiing-oriented flights to Taos Regional Airport in New Mexico, and Advanced Air offered new seasonal services to Mammoth Lakes.
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It is located in Carlsbad, San Diego's North County
The San Diego McClellan Palomar Airport (CLD) is located in Carlsbad, San Diego's North County. The airport is a gateway to and from San Diego's North County, serving the general aviation community, corporate aircraft, and commercial services. Its popularity is attributed to its proximity to business and recreational areas.
Major corporations and world-class resorts are just a short distance from the airport, making it a convenient option for business and leisure travellers alike. The beautiful beaches of San Diego County are also easily accessible from the airport, offering year-round pleasant weather for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. Oceanside Harbor, with its charming shops and yachts, is a delightful spot to visit.
Legoland is located just two miles west of the airport, making it a convenient destination for families and leisure seekers. The area also boasts luxurious resorts such as La Costa Resort & Spa and Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, providing travellers with high-end accommodation and relaxation options.
McClellan-Palomar Airport has been served by various airlines over the years, including California Pacific Airlines, Taos Air, Advanced Air, Surf Air, and Clay Lacy Aviation. These airlines have offered flights to destinations such as Taos, New Mexico, Mammoth Lakes, Las Vegas, and various cities in California. The airport has also seen services from commercial airlines such as American Eagle, United Express, and America West Express, providing convenient connections to nearby cities.
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Airlines that operate from CLD include Surf Air and Clay Lacy Aviation
The McClellan-Palomar Airport (IATA: CLD, ICAO: KCRQ, FAA LID: CRQ) is a public airport located three miles (4.8 km; 2.6 nmi) southeast of Carlsbad in San Diego County, California. The airport is used for both general and commercial aviation and is named after Gerald McClellan, an aviator and civic leader in San Diego's North County area. Airlines that operate from CLD include Surf Air and Clay Lacy Aviation.
Surf Air is a private air charter company that offers flights between McClellan-Palomar, selected California cities, and Las Vegas. The company commenced operations in 2013 and expanded to San Diego in late 2014, operating from the Atlantic Aviation FBO. Clay Lacy Aviation is the world's most experienced operator of private jets, offering aircraft management services, charters, and full-service aircraft maintenance. The company began in 1968 as an on-demand jet charter operator at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, and has since expanded across the United States.
In addition to Surf Air and Clay Lacy Aviation, several other airlines have previously served the McClellan-Palomar Airport. These include United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, which ended service in 2015 due to fleet transitions. American Eagle, operated by Wings West Airlines, and United Express, operated by WestAir Airlines, also provided commuter airline services to the airport in the past. Other airlines that have served Carlsbad include Scenic Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Imperial Airlines, Air Resorts, and Golden West Airlines.
The airport was also the headquarters for California Pacific Airlines, which operated flights to San Jose, California, and Reno, Nevada, starting in 2018. However, the airline ceased operations in 2019, and its operating certificate was revoked the following year. BizAir Shuttle briefly operated scheduled services to LAX and Las Vegas during the summer of 2015, while JetsuiteX (rebranded as JSX) offered charter flight services to Burbank and San Jose in 2016.
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CLD is a smaller airport, popular for its proximity to business and recreation
The San Diego McClellan Palomar Airport, also known as CLD, is a smaller airport located in Carlsbad, California. Despite its size, it is a popular gateway to and from San Diego's North County. The airport serves the general aviation community, corporate aircraft, and commercial services.
One of the key advantages of CLD is its proximity to both business and recreation. Major corporations and world-class resorts are just a short drive from the airport, making it convenient for business travellers and those seeking easy access to the city's commercial hubs.
For those seeking leisure activities, CLD is also conveniently located near some of the finest beaches in San Diego County, offering surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers balmy weather and beautiful ocean waters throughout most of the year. Oceanside Harbor, with its shops, yachts, and fishing boats, is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
Additionally, CLD is just two miles east of Legoland, making it a convenient option for families and those seeking easy access to theme parks. The airport is also close to luxury resorts such as La Costa Resort & Spa and the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, catering to travellers seeking relaxation and high-end accommodations.
Overall, CLD's popularity stems from its convenient location near both business hubs and recreational attractions. Its smaller size may also contribute to a more intimate and efficient travel experience, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking convenience and ease of access to San Diego's North County.
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CLD generally has the most flights departing on Mondays
The San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport, also known as the McClellan-Palomar Airport, is a small airport located in Carlsbad, USA. It is a popular gateway to and from San Diego’s North County, serving the general aviation community, corporate aircraft, and commercial services. The airport is particularly favoured for its proximity to businesses and recreational spots.
The day with the most flights departing from the San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport is typically Monday, with an average of one flight leaving the airport. This could be attributed to a variety of factors, including traveller preferences and airline scheduling. Monday departures may align with business or leisure travel patterns, with travellers choosing to extend their stays over the weekend or commence their trips at the beginning of the workweek.
The airport caters to scheduled passenger traffic, with flights to two destinations operated by two airlines. American Airlines, for instance, offers flights to Phoenix (PHX), with an average of 14 flights departing from the San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport each week. The route with the longest flight time from the airport is to Mammoth Lakes (MMH), lasting approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes.
The San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport also accommodates low-cost carrier airlines, such as JetBlue Airways, which offers flights to destinations like Las Vegas and Scottsdale. These flights typically depart a few times a week, with varying departure days and prices. The airport's single terminal building provides essential amenities and services to travellers awaiting their flights.
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Frequently asked questions
San Diego McClellan Palomar Airport.
CLD/KCRQ.
Carlsbad.
American Eagle, United Express, Wings West Airlines, WestAir Airlines, America West Express, US Airways Express, Scenic Airlines, Mesa Airlines, Imperial Airlines, California Pacific Airlines, Taos Air, Advanced Air, and Surf Air.
It is a smaller airport that serves San Diego’s North County and is known for its proximity to business and recreation.









































