Carlsbad Airport Runway Expansion Study Clear for Lift Off

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed Wednesday to commission a study on whether it is feasible to extend
the runway at in Carlsbad by 1,100 feet.

Board Chairman Bill Horn said the coastal North County airport, home to numerous corporate jets and some commuter airline service, is built on three landfills, which would impact whether the runway can be lengthened.

The proposed extension would also have to overcome obstacles at each end of the runway. Just off the west end is an embankment that leads down to a self-storage facility. Off the east end is El Camino Real, a major thoroughfare.

"We need a study to see how much it would cost to lengthen the runway to bring in quieter jets for the (surrounding) neighborhoods," Horn said.

A longer runway could also improve safety and yield economic benefits if corporations base more aircraft, or different types, at the facility.

The study is expected to last 15 months and cost $767,000.

Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall said the mayors of all North County cities
support the study.

CNS contributed to this report.