The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is set to welcome a new commercial airport, McKinney National Airport, which will be anchored by Avelo Airlines, a budget-friendly carrier. The airport is expected to debut its new terminal and commercial flights later this year.
The new airport, located in McKinney, Texas, will offer an alternative to the region's two larger hubs, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). Avelo Airlines has revealed its first five nonstop destinations from McKinney, including four cities in Florida and Las Vegas, with service set to launch in November.
The airport's new terminal is on track to open later in 2026, with the flexibility to expand to six gates for airline service in the future. McKinney National Airport is expected to serve 200,000 passengers annually, with the potential to host 1 million annual travelers in the future.
Avelo Airlines will be the first carrier to serve McKinney National Airport and will operate two Boeing 737-800 jets and around 100 crew members from the airport. The airline's business model focuses on bare-bones, discounted fares, similar to Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
The new airport and Avelo Airlines' service from McKinney offer a unique opportunity for low-cost carriers to serve niche markets with little competition from larger airlines. This could make getting in on DTX from the start a strong play for Avelo.
The success of the new airport and Avelo Airlines' service will depend on whether travelers choose to book flights with the carrier and consider McKinney as an alternative to the region's larger airports.
McKinney National Airport and Avelo Airlines are set to launch their service in mid-November, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday rush. The airport's new terminal is expected to be operational by the time the service launches, providing a convenient and affordable travel option for North Texans.
