McKinney National Airport to Open With Avelo Flights

McKinney National Airport (DTX), the third commercial airport serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, is scheduled to open its new terminal and begin commercial flights later this year. Avelo Airlines, a five-year-old budget carrier, announced it will be the first airline to operate from DTX and will establish a base there, housing two Boeing 737-800 jets and approximately 100 crew members. The airport's development has been years in the making, with leaders in McKinney planning to transform the existing general aviation airport into a commercial hub. The new 46,000 square foot terminal is designed to offer North Texans an alternative to the region's larger airports, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL), both located over 30 miles away in fast-growing Collin County.

Avelo Airlines revealed its initial five nonstop destinations from McKinney, with service set to commence in November. These routes include four cities in Florida: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), and Tampa International Airport (TPA). Additionally, Avelo will offer service to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. Flights to Las Vegas are scheduled to operate four times per week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting November 12. The specific launch dates and frequencies for the Florida destinations were not fully detailed in the announcement but are expected to begin in November.

The establishment of McKinney National Airport aims to provide increased air travel options for residents in the rapidly expanding northern suburbs of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The airport's strategic location in Collin County positions it to serve a growing population seeking convenient access to domestic travel. Avelo Airlines' commitment to establishing a base at DTX signifies a significant investment in the new airport and the surrounding region, with the expectation of further route expansions and increased passenger traffic in the future.