Incident Overview
On July 15, 2025, about 0005 Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), SkyWest Airlines (SKW) flight 3005, an Embraer 170-200LR (registration N185SY), conducted a pilot-initiated go-around approximately 4 miles from the threshold of runway 10R at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), Monterey, California. The go-around was performed due to the runway being closed at the time. The flight had departed from San Diego International Airport (SAN) about 2306 PDT the previous day. There were no injuries among the 2 flight crewmembers, 2 cabin crewmembers, and 35 passengers. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 scheduled domestic passenger flight.
Flight History
The flight release was completed by the SkyWest dispatcher at 2152, with an estimated time of arrival of 0018. The dispatcher stated that they reviewed NOTAMs for the airport and noted that the original scheduled times would result in arrival before the scheduled closure, but a delay pushed the arrival past the closure time. After sending the release, the dispatcher passed the flight to a relief dispatcher, who remarked only on 30 minutes of hold for poor weather and the alternate. The pass-down dispatcher had no contact with the flight prior to departure.
According to ADS-B data, flight 3005 pushed back from the gate at SAN about 2250, delayed from its scheduled departure of 2159, and began departure roll about 2306. En route, the captain reviewed NOTAMs for MRY and noted the airport closure. About 2305, the MRY airport operations manager received a voicemail from the airline requesting a delay in the closure to accommodate flight 3005, but no confirmation was returned.
About 2341, the flight began descent into MRY. The flight contacted NORCAL (Northern California TRACON) and stated they were descending with the weather and NOTAMs for Monterey. The controller asked for the desired approach, and the crew requested the ILS to runway 10R.
Airport Closure and Go-Around
According to airport operations personnel, at 2359 an announcement was made over the CTAF frequency that the airport closure was beginning. About 0001, NORCAL cleared the flight for the ILS approach to runway 10R. The crew switched to CTAF to announce their intention to land. About 0003, airport operations placed and raised lighted "X" markers at each end of runway 10R. Airport ground personnel heard flight 3005 announce on CTAF that they were on a 5-mile final.
The flight descended via the ILS to approximately 1,300 ft above mean sea level and then initiated a missed approach maneuver about 0004. Prior to executing the missed approach, the airport operations manager advised the crew over CTAF that the airport was closed. The FO stated that the individual on CTAF said they would "pull the X" to allow the flight to land. The crew continued the published missed approach, contacted NORCAL, and stated they were flying the missed approach due to the closed runway. The NORCAL controller responded with surprise, stating the information was "news to me" and that they were trying to figure out what was happening.
Subsequent Landing and NOTAM Details
The crew confirmed adequate fuel for another approach and potential diversion to the alternate. NORCAL vectored the flight to an approximate 20-mile final. According to the captain, NORCAL advised that they would not clear the approach unless positive verbal confirmation that the runway was open was received. As the flight approached the final approach fix, MRY ground crew reported that the runway was open. The crew informed NORCAL, who vectored them to intercept the approach. During the second approach, the dispatcher sent an ACARS message asking for intentions, and the captain responded "Landing MRY. Standby."
The flight landed on runway 10R about 0025, exited at taxiway L, and taxied to the gate uneventfully.
A review of NOTAMs found ten in effect. One specified that MRY was closed Tuesday through Saturday from July 8 to August 9, 2025, 0000-0500 PDT. The incident occurred on Tuesday.
Airport Information
MRY is located about 3 miles southeast of Monterey, California, at elevation 256.6 ft msl. The airport has two paved runways: 10R/28L (7,175 ft long, 150 ft wide) and 10L/28R (not available for air carrier use). The MRY air traffic control tower operates daily from 0700 to 2200; at the time of the incident, the tower was closed and not providing services.