San Diego’s General Aviation Airport Leads U.S. in Lead Pollution Despite Unleaded Fuel Push

Key points

• San Diego’s Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF) sold more leaded aviation fuel last year than in any previous decade, making it the top lead emitter among U.S. general aviation airports.
• Over 1 million gallons of leaded fuel were sold at MYF in the past two years, compared to just over 24 gallons of the transition fuel UL94.
• Leaded fuel is banned in commercial planes but still used in small piston aircraft, which account for 93% of MYF’s fleet.
• Flight training paths for touch-and-go operations pass within 2 miles of more than 30 schools, parks, and residential areas.
• The FAA aims to phase out leaded fuel by 2030, but no fully compatible, market-ready replacement fuel has been authorized yet.
• San Diego County has not conducted targeted blood-lead testing for children near the airport, despite state requirements for high-risk populations.

Background

This story follows earlier coverage of disruptions at San Diego International Airport, including an IT outage in September 2026 and a ground stop caused by a drone. However, the current issue centers on the separate general aviation facility, Montgomery-Gibbs, and its environmental impact.

Why it matters

Lead exposure causes irreversible neurological damage, especially in children. With no safe level of exposure, the continued use of leaded fuel at a major U.S. airport poses a direct public health risk to nearby communities, particularly in areas with high minority populations.

What to watch

The FAA is expected to finalize a replacement fuel standard, though timelines have slipped. California has banned leaded aviation fuel sales statewide starting in 2031. Local advocates are pushing for immediate flight restrictions, mandatory unleaded fuel use for flight schools, and targeted environmental monitoring.