McKinney's New $79M Terminal Launches First Flights with Avelo Airlines

• Avelo Airlines will launch the first commercial passenger service from McKinney National Airport on Nov. 11, 2026, as part of a $79 million commercial terminal project.
• The new 45,000-square-foot passenger terminal will initially have four gates, a 980-space parking lot and capacity to expand to six gates.
• Avelo will base two Boeing 737 aircraft at McKinney and serve five destinations, including Las Vegas and four Florida markets.

What McKinney National Airport Is Adding

McKinney National Airport is preparing to enter the commercial aviation market as its $79 million passenger terminal nears completion. The airport's first commercial flights are scheduled for Nov. 11, marking a major shift for an airport that has historically focused on general aviation.

The new terminal is located at 1910 FM 546 and covers approximately 45,000 square feet. It will initially feature four boarding gates, with the ability to expand to six as passenger demand grows. Construction on the terminal began in 2025.

What Avelo Will Offer Travelers

Avelo Airlines will become the launch carrier at McKinney National Airport, establishing a local base with two Boeing 737 aircraft dedicated to the market. The airline expects the base to create more than 100 local jobs, including positions for pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, baggage handlers and gate agents.

The initial network will include nonstop service to Las Vegas, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. The first flights to Fort Myers are scheduled for Nov. 11, with the other routes beginning Nov. 12 or Nov. 19.

What The New Terminal Includes

The terminal will include centralized food and beverage concessions, passenger hold rooms, rental car facilities and ground transportation services. A 980-space public parking lot is also planned to accommodate travelers arriving from McKinney and surrounding North Texas communities.

The project is designed to give North Texas residents another option for air travel, particularly those living north of Dallas who may prefer McKinney over Dallas Fort Worth International Airport or Dallas Love Field.

What The Airport Means for McKinney

The commercial service comes as McKinney and the surrounding Collin County area continue to attract residential growth, corporate investment and new development. Airport access can be an important factor for companies evaluating locations, particularly as employment centers expand farther north of Dallas.

The new service could also strengthen McKinney's position as a regional transportation hub while supporting nearby hotels, restaurants, retail and commercial development.

McKinney National Airport will become the third commercial airport serving the Dallas-Fort Worth region, joining DFW and Dallas Love Field. General aviation operations will continue at the airport under its FAA identifier, TKI, while commercial passenger service will operate under the DTX designation.

What Comes Next

The terminal is expected to open to the public in November 2026, coinciding with Avelo's launch. As passenger demand develops, the airport has room to expand from four to six gates.

For North Texas' commercial real estate market, the arrival of commercial air service adds another piece of infrastructure to one of the region's fastest-growing suburban markets and could strengthen the area's appeal to businesses, residents and investors.