McKinney is set to welcome its first scheduled passenger airline service on Nov. 11, when Avelo Airlines begins flights from the newly certified commercial terminal at McKinney National Airport (DTX). The inaugural route will connect the city to Fort Myers, Florida, and Avelo plans to add six more destinations in December, expanding options for North Texas travelers.
FAA certification marks a historic milestone
In September, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an airport operating certificate for McKinney National Airport, confirming the facility meets all safety standards for commercial service. Ignacio Flores, director of the FAA’s Southwest Region Airports division, called the certification a “rare milestone,” noting that Texas has not issued such a certificate in more than 20 years. Airport Director Ken Carley said the certification confirms the airport complies with every FAA regulation required for scheduled passenger service.
Local funding and construction
The 46,000‑square‑foot terminal broke ground in 2025 after voters rejected a $200 million bond measure. The $79 million project was instead financed through a mix of city funds and state and federal grants. An environmental assessment completed in 2025 concluded that any noise impacts would be contained within the airport property.
The terminal, located at 1910 FM 546, will feature three south‑side entrances, a 980‑space parking lot (expandable to 1,450 spaces), rental‑car services from Enterprise, and a concession stand operated by Creative Hospitality Solutions. Parking will be $15 per day. The Transportation Security Administration is finalizing its security screening area, and the airport expects a temporary certificate of occupancy within days.
Economic outlook
McKinney’s 2026‑27 budget projects roughly $3 million in revenue from the commercial terminal in its first year, generated by airline fees, concessions, rental‑car fees and parking. The city’s overall airport fund, which includes general‑aviation operations, anticipates $19.7 million in revenue against $20.8 million in expenses, a balanced budget that has been maintained for the past five fiscal years. City officials aim to make the commercial operation self‑sustaining within five years.
Avelo’s service plan
Avelo’s founder and CEO Andrew Levy described the launch as “extremely bullish” on the opportunity. The airline will operate multiple daily flights to major hubs such as Atlanta, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Nashville, New Orleans, West Palm Beach, Sarasota‑Bradenton and others. Levy said the airline’s route decisions are based on historic demand in the Dallas‑Fort Worth area and migration patterns of North Texas residents.
University of North Texas aviation logistics expert Steve Joiner noted that Avelo is establishing a niche carrier in a market with strong travel‑spending power, especially from nearby communities like Plano and Frisco. He likened the airline’s start‑up model to how Southwest Airlines began, emphasizing the strategic advantage of operating from a location removed from the region’s two large airports.
Future growth
Avelo projects 260,000 passengers in its first year, with an expectation of reaching 900,000 annually by the third year. The terminal’s design allows expansion from four to six gates, and the city has contracted with Kimley‑Horn to update the airport’s master plan, ensuring long‑term capacity for growth.
City officials say the success of the commercial service will boost McKinney’s visibility as a travel destination and support local businesses. “If they succeed, then we succeed,” Assistant City Manager Barry Shelton said, underscoring the partnership between the city, the airline and the FAA.
Original reporting: Community Impact — McKinney — read the source article.
