United Airlines Returning To Carlsbad In March 2026 After 11-Year Hiatus
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United Airlines is set to bring United Express service back to McClellan–Palomar (CLD) in Carlsbad, California starting March 2026, ending an 11-year absence from the North County San Diego market. The move follows last year’s return of American Eagle with flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and underscores CLD’s evolution from a modest outstation to a modern regional gateway.
What We Know So Far
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Start date: March 2026
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Operator: United Express (regional affiliate)
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Airport: McClellan–Palomar (CLD), Carlsbad, CA
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Destinations & schedule: To be announced by United; expect connectivity into a major United hub for onward North America and international feed
United last served Carlsbad (CLD) in 2015, when SkyWest retired the Embraer 120 Brasilia turboprops that had linked North County to the network. Since then, CLD has undergone a major refresh, including a new terminal and airfield improvements—positioning the airport to support today’s larger, quieter regional jets.
Why This Return Makes Sense
Re-entering Carlsbad (CLD) lets United tap high-yield business and leisure demand in North County San Diego without forcing travelers to trek to San Diego International (SAN). It also complements the network by offering shorter drives for customers in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, Oceanside, and Escondido, while giving MileagePlus flyers a more convenient on-ramp to United’s domestic and international banks.
The Airframe Likely To Show Up: Embraer E175
While United has not confirmed equipment, the smart money is on the Embraer E175—the workhorse of the United Express fleet.
Specs & cabin notes (typical UA layout):
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Seating: ~76 seats — 12 First, 16 Economy Plus, 48 Economy
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Cabin: 2-2 across (no middle seats), larger bins than older RJs
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Amenities: Power and Wi-Fi on most frames; streaming entertainment supported
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Performance: Excellent short-field and hot-day capability relative to legacy turboprops, with faster cruise and lower cabin noise
This is a meaningful upgrade from the retired E120 era: more comfort, better reliability, and a product that feels closer to a mainline narrowbody experience.
CLD’s Modernization Pays Off
Carlsbad’s terminal—opened in the late 2000s—replaced the facility many locals once dismissed as a “glorified bus stop.” Today, the airport offers a cleaner customer flow, better concessions and security throughput, and airfield enhancements that make it attractive again for scheduled carriers. That investment already coaxed American Eagle back with Phoenix (PHX) service in 2024; United’s 2026 return builds on that momentum.
What This Means For Travelers
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Shorter drives, faster trips: North County flyers can save an hour (or more) versus driving to San Diego (SAN), especially at peak times.
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Seamless connections: A likely hub pairing will open one-stop access to key business and leisure markets across the U.S. and beyond.
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Consistent onboard experience: The E175 delivers a predictable product—2-2 seating, a real First Class cabin, and modern amenities.
Network Questions
Expect United to prioritize bank connectivity and aircraft utilization with timings that dovetail into morning and evening hub waves. If demand proves strong, CLD could see additional frequencies or a second hub link over time, but initial success will hinge on schedule relevance and local awareness.
Bottom Line
United Airlines will return to McClellan–Palomar (CLD) in March 2026, restoring United Express service to Carlsbad after more than a decade away. With a refreshed terminal and an expected Embraer E175 operation, the comeback should deliver a tangible upgrade for North County travelers—and a tighter fit into United’s West Coast strategy.
