Environment

Federal data put Montgomery-Gibbs first for airport lead emissions

A new inewsource investigation found that San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport had the highest estimated lead emissions among U.S. general-aviation airports, with training flights passing near more than 30 schools.

Published October 18, 2026

The nonprofit newsroom reported Sunday that it obtained and analyzed federal data showing record leaded-fuel sales at the city-owned Kearny Mesa airport. More than 1 million gallons of leaded aviation gasoline were sold there over the past two years, while the airport’s available UL94 unleaded fuel recorded sales of only a little more than two dozen gallons, according to the investigation.

inewsource reported that flight-school activity drives many takeoffs and landings, including repeated “touch-and-go” training. Those flight paths pass over or within two miles of more than 30 schools. San Diego County told the newsroom that its childhood lead-prevention program has not conducted targeted testing around the airport.

Local expansion meets a national fuel transition

The Federal Aviation Administration says its EAGLE initiative aims to eliminate leaded fuel in piston-engine aircraft safely by the end of 2030. The agency lists several approved or testing pathways for high-octane unleaded alternatives while continuing to require access to low-lead fuel during the transition.

San Diego’s airport-planning page says a long-term master plan for Montgomery-Gibbs includes aviation forecasts, facility needs, development alternatives, environmental review and phased funding. The city’s airport chief told inewsource that officials support California’s 2031 sales ban but view further local action as constrained by federal requirements and the availability, cost and compatibility of replacement fuels.

Original investigation: inewsource — October 18, 2026 →

Official context: Federal Aviation Administration EAGLE initiative → · City of San Diego airport planning →