McKinney, Texas – Avelo Airlines announced on September 24 that it will expand its service from McKinney National Airport (DTX) with four new nonstop destinations. Beginning Dec. 16, the carrier will fly to Denver International Airport and Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, followed by service to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and Nashville International Airport on Dec. 17.
New schedules and aircraft
Each new route will operate on a distinct schedule. Denver and Atlanta flights will run four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. New Orleans and Nashville will be served twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. To support the added routes, Avelo will station a third Boeing Next‑Generation 737‑800 at McKinney. The aircraft seats 184 passengers and is expected to boost the airline’s capacity for North Texas travelers.
Job growth and economic impact
The expansion will create approximately 150 jobs, ranging from flight‑deck positions to ground‑service and administrative roles. Avelo’s founder and CEO Andrew Levy said the response from North Texas residents has been “extraordinary,” noting that strong bookings already justify the added service. He added that the airline’s low fares, the convenience of the smaller DTX terminal, and its industry‑leading on‑time performance provide a winning combination for the region.
First flights and fare incentives
Avelo’s inaugural service from McKinney is slated for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa. Introductory one‑way fares for the new routes start at $99 and include a first checked bag at no extra charge, making air travel more affordable for families and business travelers alike.
Airport development
McKinney National Airport, long a general‑aviation facility, is undergoing a major transformation. Construction of a new commercial passenger terminal began in July 2025 and is expected to be completed in late 2026. The terminal will open with four active gates, with six additional gates already under construction. Once fully operational, the airport is projected to handle about 200,000 passengers annually, with the potential to exceed one million travelers per year and generate nearly $300 million in annual economic impact.
What this means for North Texas
The added destinations give residents direct access to major leisure and business hubs without the need to travel to larger, more congested airports in Dallas or Fort Worth. By offering frequent service to both Southern and Western markets, Avelo is positioning McKinney as a convenient gateway for tourism, commerce and family travel, reinforcing the city’s growing reputation as a vibrant economic center in Collin County.
With nine destinations now served from DTX and three aircraft based at the airport, Avelo’s expansion underscores the airline’s commitment to the Collin County community and its confidence in the region’s long‑term growth.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
