Statement From Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer on Palomar Airport

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News Date
01/08/25
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“I’ve heard from residents with safety and noise concerns about new American Airlines service out of Palomar Airport, and raised these issues with County staff at Wednesday’s hearing. I’ve also heard from residents who are excited for the opportunity to skip the long drive to San Diego International and instead take a more convenient flight out of Carlsbad. 

But I am frustrated by the lack of local control we have over this decision, so I’m working toward strengthening noise protections at Palomar Airport. 

The County’s airport managers confirmed at the public hearing that American Airlines will be using aircraft that are appropriate for use at Palomar Airport, and that American Airlines cannot begin service until the FAA reviews and certifies their aircraft as safe for this location. Additionally, under this two-year agreement, American Airlines is limiting its flights to only four per day — two departures and two arrivals. 

I do not appreciate that one of the flights will not adhere to the voluntary noise restrictions at Palomar Airport, and have requested that this continue to be monitored during this initial period and renegotiated when the term is up. 

Airports are highly regulated by the federal government, so unfortunately the County isn’t left with many options to enforce voluntary noise rules. The County has tried to get permission to establish mandatory noise restrictions, but the FAA has rejected the request.  

I believe that having more data on noise impacts could help us build a case to the FAA. So I made a motion for County staff to work with the community to explore adding more noise monitors, and to look at what other jurisdictions do to crack down on noise-offending flights and report back to us later this year. 

About 90 percent of the County’s airport fund comes from the federal government, and the FAA could claw back millions of dollars from our region if it believes San Diego County is not complying with federal rules requiring the airport to be made available to all types of commercial aeronautical activities. 

Under FAA regulations, if the County were to deny an airline the right to use this commercial facility, the FAA could revoke grants the County of San Diego relies on to maintain not only Palomar Airport, but all eight airports the County manages throughout the region. Under the FAA’s regulations, denial of airline lease agreement could also result in a lawsuit against the County. The FAA just took action against the City of Los Angeles for a similar case. 

Ultimately, rules imposed on County airports by the federal government mean that denying these flights could get the County sued as well as harm our ability to qualify for millions in federal grants. This would jeopardize the main funding source our region has to maintain runways, fix facilities, and keep airports operating safely and smoothly. 

This airline service will benefit many in our region, but I am frustrated by our lack of local control and the noise impact the early-morning flight will have on nearby residents. I hope neighbors will continue to report noise complaints so these are officially documented, and that we can convince the FAA to give San Diego County the power to enforce our noise regulations.”