American Airlines adds new route between Phoenix and Carlsbad, CA

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Escaping the Arizona heat to the San Diego beaches is about to get easier as American Airlines announces it will begin flights from Phoenix to Carlsbad, CA.

The new route, which is scheduled to begin service on February 13, 2025, will include two daily flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and San Diego County’s McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, located just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. American’s wholly owned regional airline, Envoy Air, will operate the flights using its latest Embraer 175 aircraft.

“American looks forward to connecting Carlsbad to our comprehensive global network starting next February,” said Frankie McLister, spokesman for American Airlines. “This new service will provide convenient one-stop connections to destinations across the United States and Mexico while bringing travelers from around the world to see all that Carlsbad has to offer.”

Located just 35 minutes north of downtown San Diego, Carlsbad is a favorite among Arizonans year-round. The coastal city is home to the Legoland California Theme Park, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, and miles of coastal beaches.

Icy Reception?

Local officials in Carlsbad aren’t about to roll out the red carpet. While the airport is located within the city limits, it is actually owned by the County of San Diego. According to North County Pipeline, the airport operations have been an ongoing sore spot between San Diego County and Carlsbad officials.

Neither the City of Carlsbad nor the tourism authority Visit Carlsbad seem to be thrilled with the new flights. Even flights currently operated by JSX Airlines, are absent from the tourism group’s website. JSX started service between Carlsbad and Scottsdale Airpark in October 2023. Arizona’s Family reached out to officials at both the city and tourism group for comment but has yet to hear back.

More Choices To Escape The Heat

With the addition of the Carlsbad route, travelers will now have three airports in the San Diego area served from American’s Phoenix hub.

Earlier this year, American began service between Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Tijuana, Mexico, San Diego’s international border neighbor.

The region’s major airport, San Diego International, is difficult for airlines to expand service to, primarily because it is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States.

By flying to smaller airports, airlines can expand service to the region and offer a more convenient location for travelers who may be visiting areas outside a major city.

clarification: First published 7/23/2024. Updated 8/2/2024 with potential issues from Carlsbad officials.

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