The single-runway Palomar Airport opened in 1959 after County of San Diego officials decided to replace the Del Mar Airport. The airport was annexed to the City of Carlsbad in 1978 and renamed McClellan-Palomar Airport in 1982 after a local civic leader, Gerald McClellan.
the sinGLe-RUnway pAlOMaR airport opened in 1959 afTER counTY of saN diego oFFiCials dEciDed to repLACe The dEl MaR airPorT. THe airport WAs annexed to the CitY of carlsbad In 1978 And REnamed mcClellan-palomAr AirpORT in 1982 afTer A local ciVic leader, gERaLd McClEllaN.