McKinney becomes an airline town on Nov. 11, 2026. That is the day Avelo Airlines begins commercial service from McKinney National Airport's new 46,000-square-foot terminal, with nonstops to Las Vegas and four Florida cities first and Atlanta, Denver, Nashville and New Orleans added in December. For Collin County homeowners, the closest airport just got a lot closer.
When do flights start, and where do they go?
The city of McKinney announced on June 30, 2026 that Avelo would launch service on Nov. 11, the same day the new terminal opens. The first routes and start dates, per the city's announcement:
- Fort Myers (RSW): starts Nov. 11, twice weekly.
- Las Vegas (LAS): starts Nov. 12, four times weekly.
- Orlando (MCO): starts Nov. 12, five times weekly.
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL): starts Nov. 19, five times weekly.
- Tampa (TPA): starts Nov. 19, four times weekly.
In September, Avelo added four more, as reported by Community Impact: Atlanta and Denver starting Dec. 16 at four flights a week each, and Nashville and New Orleans starting Dec. 17 at two flights a week each. Community Impact's Oct. 23 roundup reported further additions of Sarasota-Bradenton and West Palm Beach starting Dec. 16, bringing Avelo to 11 destinations from McKinney once all routes are running.
What is the new terminal like?
The terminal is at 1910 FM 546 in McKinney. Details from the city and Community Impact:
- 46,000 square feet, with four gates at launch and room for two more.
- A $79 million cost, including associated infrastructure.
- 980 public parking spaces at $15 per day, paid by contactless payment.
- On-site rental cars, centralized food and beverage, and open hold rooms.
- Designed for about 200,000 passengers in its first year and up to 1 million a year.
Commercial flights use the code DTX, while general aviation continues under the FAA code TKI. The FAA presented the airport's operating certificate on Sept. 24, 2026.
How does Avelo connect to other cities?
Avelo is a point-to-point carrier, so McKinney flights are nonstops rather than connections through a large hub. The Murphy Monitor reported that introductory one-way fares started at $99 and that each passenger received one free checked bag on those early offers. Travelers should check current fares and bag rules directly with the airline, since introductory offers change.
Why was this project so controversial?
Because voters said no to paying for it with bonds, and the city built it anyway. KERA reported that voters rejected two bond elections tied to the expansion, including a 2023 measure with $200 million for commercial use of the airport. The city moved forward using sales tax revenue and federal and state grants, including a $7 million TxDOT grant.
Critics argue the council ignored voters. Former Mayor George Fuller has said voters opposed the funding method, not the expansion itself. A conservation group's federal lawsuit over the environmental assessment was dismissed, and a second suit arguing that using sales-tax-backed bonds violated the city charter was still ongoing as of KERA's July report. The city said the lawsuits would not affect planned flights. Separately, Community Impact reported a recall affidavit filed against the mayor and three council members this year.
What about noise?
The published coverage we reviewed does not include flight path maps or noise contours for commercial service. Two 184-seat Boeing 737s are based at the airport, with a third expected after the new routes were added, according to Community Impact. Homeowners near the airport, especially to the south and east of the runway, should look for official noise information from the city and FAA rather than relying on assumptions.
What does a hometown airport mean for McKinney real estate?
For many buyers, especially those relocating from cities where an airport was 20 minutes away, the drive to DFW or Love Field has been a real knock against north Collin County. A nonstop to Atlanta, Denver or Orlando from McKinney changes that conversation. Our agents at The Agency Dallas who work McKinney expect a few effects:
- Frequent travelers will notice. Buyers who fly regularly for family or leisure may weigh McKinney and nearby cities more favorably.
- Proximity is a double-edged factor. Being near the terminal is convenient. Being under a flight path is not. Buyers should check both.
- Jobs follow airports slowly. Avelo expects about 150 jobs, per its release. Larger commercial effects around FM 546 will take years to show up.
Should buyers near the airport do anything differently?
Visit at different times of day once service begins, review seller disclosures carefully, and ask about any pending city or FAA studies. For a broader view of the region, our relocation guide covers how North Texas cities compare, and owners can request a home valuation. The Agency Dallas will follow how the first months of service settle in.
Frequently asked questions
When does McKinney National Airport start commercial flights?
Avelo Airlines begins service on Nov. 11, 2026, the day the new terminal opens, with the first flight to Fort Myers. Las Vegas and Orlando follow Nov. 12, and Fort Lauderdale and Tampa start Nov. 19. Additional routes to Atlanta, Denver, Nashville and New Orleans begin in mid-December.
Where is the McKinney National Airport terminal?
The new commercial terminal is at 1910 FM 546 in McKinney, with a dedicated access road. Commercial service uses the airport code DTX, while general aviation at the same airfield continues under the FAA identifier TKI. The terminal has 980 public parking spaces at $15 per day.
How much did the McKinney airport terminal cost?
Community Impact reported the terminal cost $79 million, including associated infrastructure. The city funded the expansion with sales tax revenue and federal and state grants after voters rejected bond elections, including a 2023 measure that included $200 million for commercial airport use.
Is the McKinney airport still facing lawsuits?
As of KERA's July 2026 reporting, a federal suit over the environmental assessment had been dismissed, and a second suit challenging the use of sales-tax-backed bonds under the city charter was ongoing. The city said the litigation would not affect planned flights. Check current news for the latest status.
Will the airport affect home values in McKinney?
There is no published study yet on commercial service and local home values. Convenient air access tends to help a city's appeal to frequent travelers. Homes directly under approach paths may face noise concerns. The effect will vary by street, so buyers should evaluate specific locations.
Sources
- City of McKinney: Nonstop Destinations Announced for McKinney National Airport (June 30, 2026)
- Community Impact: Avelo adds 4 destinations as terminal opening nears (Sept. 24, 2026)
- Community Impact: Midterm election, Frisco ISD and more DFW news (Oct. 23, 2026)
- Murphy Monitor: New McKinney National Airport terminal to open in November (June 30, 2026)
- KERA: McKinney airport expansion FAQ (July 2026)
- Community Impact: Trending DFW stories including McKinney recall affidavit (Aug. 2026)
