McKinney made aviation history this week as McKinney National Airport officially opened a brand-new terminal and welcomed its first commercial flights, establishing itself as North Texas’s third commercial airport. The milestone launch took place on Veterans Day, November 11, 2026 — a fitting tribute to the occasion.

Avelo Airlines marked the occasion by opening its McKinney National Airport base in Collin County, bringing scheduled commercial air service to a region that has long relied on Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field for commercial travel. The airline’s arrival signals a major new chapter for the airport and for the broader McKinney and Collin County community.

The opening of the new terminal gives local residents a closer, more convenient option for air travel, reducing the need to navigate the congestion of the region’s larger airports. For a fast-growing city like McKinney, the addition of commercial service is a significant infrastructure milestone — one that connects the community more directly to destinations across the country.

The first commercial flight departing from the new North Texas airport was reported by Spectrum News, underscoring the real-world impact of the terminal’s opening. What was once purely a general aviation facility has now evolved into a full-fledged commercial hub serving Collin County travelers.

Avelo Airlines, which has built a reputation for serving underserved communities with affordable, convenient air travel, chose McKinney National Airport as its newest base — a vote of confidence in the city’s continued growth and economic vitality. The Veterans Day launch added an extra layer of meaning to the occasion, honoring those who have served while opening new doors for the community they helped protect.

For McKinney residents, the new terminal and Avelo’s arrival represent more than just a new flight option — they mark the city’s arrival as a serious player in the North Texas regional economy.

Sources: Audacy, PR Newswire, Spectrum News