The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority was created on January 1, 2003, as an independent agency to manage the day-to-day operations of San Diego International Airport and address the region’s long-term air transportation needs.

The Airport Authority also serves as San Diego County's Airport Land Use Commission, responsible for protecting public health and safety surrounding airports. It accomplishes this by ensuring the orderly development of airports and the adoption of land use measures that minimize the public's exposure to excessive noise and safety hazards around airports.