The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has approved a contract with American Airlines to resume daily commercial flights at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad. The decision has sparked controversy, with residents voicing concerns about noise pollution, while supporters highlight the economic benefits and FAA requirements.
Daily commercial flights will return to McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad beginning Feb. 13 under a contract with American Airlines approved unanimously Wednesday by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. The two-year lease was opposed by residents who have fought any expansion of the airport for decades, mainly because of the noise from flights over nearby homes. Pilots, business owners and air travelers from across the county supported the service.
Denial of the American Airlines contract could be considered discriminatory by the Federal Aviation Administration, which provides more than 90 percent of the funding for capital improvements at the county’s airports, said county Director of Airports Jamie Abbott. The county could lose millions of dollars in annual funding were the contract not approved, Abbott said. Also, the FAA could revoke previous funding for what the agency considers the failure to follow the terms of its grants. Recent court cases in Los Angeles and Santa Monica have upheld the FAA’s requirement that smaller airports must be available to commercial airlines, Abbott said. Just last year, the Los Angeles City Council reversed its decision to deny a helicopter company’s lease at its Van Nuys airport based on noise concerns.There’s a chance residents or the Carlsbad City Council could sue the county for approving the deal, she said, but the FAA could take legal action if it’s not approved. “I’m very upset,” Lawson-Remer said. “There are a lot of concerns about making sure we are not impacting the quality of life.” Supervisor Jim Desmond, a former pilot for Delta Airlines, said he was pleased to see commercial flights returning to North County even though he realized there are legitimate concerns about noise. The Embraer 175 jets that American will use at Palomar are quieter than the business jets that operate there now, Desmond said. The new jets also will be quieter than the turboprop aircraft used for previous commercial flight
AIRPORTS COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS CARLSBAD NOISE POLLUTION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Local group opposes return of American Airlines to Carlsbad airportTwice-daily flights to Phoenix scheduled to start Feb. 13 if county approves contract
Read more »
McKinney airport prepares for commercial flights with $70M expansionMcKinney National Airport is inching closer to commercial flights in a bid to become a regional alternative to DFW and Love Field. The runway hasn’t been...
Read more »
What to know about McKinney airport’s plans to add commercial flightsMcKinney National Airport is preparing a $70 million expansion with plans that include commercial flights and a new passenger terminal building. Here’s what...
Read more »
Huntsville Airport Aims to Become Landing Spot for Commercial SpacecraftA new bill introduced by Congressman Dale Strong could help Huntsville International Airport become a landing site for commercial space vehicles like Sierra Space's Dream Chaser. The SPACEPORT Act would provide dedicated federal funding for infrastructure projects at eligible spaceports, including Huntsville.
Read more »
Nearby airport parking options away from San Antonio International AirportWith air travel up considerably, especially now, and the holiday season is in full swing, you may be unable to park your vehicle at the San Antonio International Airport.
Read more »
Contract approved for new Carlsbad city managerGeoff Patnoe starts Dec. 19 after Scott Chadwick takes job with Port of San Diego
Read more »