CARLSBAD, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — United Airlines is expanding its reach across California with the addition of a new nonstop route connecting McClellan–Palomar Airport (CLD) in Carlsbad to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), marking the first time the airline has linked these two cities directly.
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The new service will begin March 30, 2026, and will include twice-daily nonstop flights. With Carlsbad now added to the airline’s network, United serves 18 destinations in California—the most of any airline in the state.
“Carlsbad represents what makes aviation special — passionate pilots starting their careers and building their skills in small communities, eager to fly across the U.S. and globe,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. “Airports like Carlsbad play a vital role in connecting communities and nurturing United’s pilots of tomorrow.”
United previously served Carlsbad from Los Angeles, but this is the first time it has launched a direct connection from Carlsbad to its major hub in San Francisco. That hub serves as one of the airline’s key gateways to international travel, with over 300 daily departures, including 50 daily international flights to 37 destinations.
For North County residents, the new route offers a quicker and more convenient alternative to driving to San Diego International Airport (SAN) for connections through SFO and beyond. The addition is also expected to boost business and tourism in the Carlsbad area.
“I hope these new commercial routes will continue to inspire the next generation as they think of all the places United can take them with a direct connection to a hub like San Francisco,” Quayle added.
Plane tickets into and out of Carlsbad are now available at United.com.
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