COUNTY — The long-awaited and controversial American Airlines lease agreement for McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad was unanimously approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors during its Wednesday meeting.
The hot-button issue has been ongoing since North County Pipeline reported in July that American Airlines sought to service the county-owned airport. Since then, thousands of residents have voiced their support and opposition, along with opposition from the cities of Carlsbad and Vista.
American Airlines will begin service on Feb. 13 with an Embraer E-175 for 76 passengers and connect passengers to Phoenix.
The supervisors took up the item after it was delayed in December due to the absence of Supervisor Joel Anderson and before the shocking resignation of former Chairwoman Nora Vargas. The board wanted all five supervisors present for the vote, which required four votes to be approved.
