McKinney, Texas – Avelo Airlines announced on September 24 that it will begin nonstop flights to four new destinations from McKinney National Airport (DTX) in mid‑December. The airline will add service to Atlanta, Georgia; Denver, Colorado; Nashville, Tennessee; and New Orleans, Louisiana, joining its existing routes to Las Vegas and four Florida cities.
Terminal opening and aircraft base
The new routes will launch after the airport’s 46,000‑square‑foot commercial passenger terminal opens on November 11. Construction on the terminal began in 2025 and is on schedule to receive a temporary certificate of occupancy within weeks. The facility will open with four gates and has the capacity to add two more as demand grows.
Avelo has already based two 184‑seat Boeing Next‑Generation 737 aircraft at DTX. With the addition of the four new destinations, the airline expects to station a third aircraft of the same model at the airport, further cementing its commitment to the region.
Economic impact and jobs
According to the airline’s release, the expansion will bring the total number of Avelo‑related jobs in the area to roughly 150. Positions will include pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians and airport support staff, providing well‑paying opportunities for local residents.
“The response from North Texas has been extraordinary, and the bookings back that up,” said Avelo founder and CEO Andrew Levy. “Adding four new destinations and a third based aircraft further cements our commitment to Collin County.”
McKinney National Airport Director Ken Carley echoed the sentiment, noting the region’s strong talent pool in construction trades and aviation. “Since we announced plans to bring commercial air service to McKinney, we’ve heard from many residents eager to work at DTX,” Carley said.
Passenger experience and amenities
The terminal is designed to serve up to 1 million passengers annually, offering a “curb‑to‑cabin” experience that emphasizes speed and convenience. Travelers will have access to 980 public parking spaces at $15 per day via a contactless payment system, rental car services from Enterprise, and future food, beverage and retail vendors.
Two murals by Texas‑based artists will adorn the curbside and baggage‑claim areas, adding a local cultural touch to the modern facility.
Airline and aircraft details
Avelo operates a fleet of 17 Boeing Next‑Generation 737 aircraft and serves 39 destinations across the United States and Puerto Rico. The carrier also plans to become the first U.S. airline to operate the Embraer E195‑E2, a 140‑seat jet with a 2‑2 seating configuration that eliminates middle seats.
One‑way fares on the new routes start at $99 and can be booked through Avelo’s website.
Federal support
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Southwest Region Airports director, Ignacio Flores, presented the airport with an operating certificate at a September 24 ceremony, a milestone not achieved by a Texas airport in more than two decades. The FAA has also invested over $9 million in airfield safety and equipment upgrades at McKinney.
With the terminal’s opening and the expanded flight schedule, McKinney National Airport is poised to become a convenient alternative to the Dallas‑Fort Worth airports, offering residents faster, easier access to domestic travel.
Original reporting: Community Impact — McKinney — read the source article.
