Avelo Airlines has announced it will launch the first scheduled commercial passenger service at McKinney National Airport, marking a significant shift for the facility which has historically focused on general, business, and private aviation. The low-cost carrier will begin operations on November 11, 2026, utilizing the airport’s new IATA code, DTX. This development positions McKinney, located approximately 7 miles south of Melissa, as a new node in the regional air travel network, offering residents an alternative to the larger, more congested airports in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The initial phase of service will include five nonstop routes. Flights to Fort Myers, Florida, will commence on November 11, followed by services to Las Vegas and Orlando on November 12. Routes to Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are scheduled to begin on November 19. The weekly frequency for these destinations varies, with Las Vegas and Tampa receiving four flights per week, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale five flights per week, and Fort Myers initially operating twice weekly.
To support this expansion, Avelo plans to base two Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft at the airport. Each plane is configured with 184 seats. The airline estimates that this initial investment will generate more than 100 local jobs, encompassing roles for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and other airport personnel. Andrew Levy, founder and CEO of Avelo, described McKinney as a critical step in the company’s growth within Texas, highlighting the airline’s focus on low fares and on-time performance.
Local officials have welcomed the announcement as a milestone for infrastructure and economic development. Mayor Bill Cox stated that the new service addresses growing demand for convenient air travel closer to home and reinforces McKinney’s appeal to residents and businesses. Ken Carley, the airport director, noted that the launch aligns with years of planning aimed at helping passengers save time and money by utilizing a local facility.
The airport is undergoing physical expansion to accommodate commercial traffic. A new passenger terminal, expected to open in late 2026, will cover approximately 46,000 square feet. The facility will initially feature four boarding gates, with provisions to expand to six, and will include a parking structure with 980 spaces. McKinney serves as the county seat for Collin County, which has a population of approximately 1.3 million and is among the fastest-growing counties in the United States. The city itself had more than 235,000 residents in early 2026.
