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Avelo Airlines Launches First Scheduled Passenger Service at McKinney Airport

Avelo Airlines begins scheduled commercial flights from McKinney National Airport in November 2026, establishing the carrier as the first to offer regular passenger service at the facility.

Demarcus Ramos

July 3, 20262 min read

Airport launch - illustration, Jake Team LLC
Airport launch - illustration, Jake Team LLC

Avelo Airlines has initiated scheduled commercial passenger operations at McKinney National Airport, marking the first time the North Texas facility hosts regular airline service. The carrier will begin flights on November 11, 2026, launching with five nonstop routes. McKinney National Airport, which will utilize the IATA code DTX for these commercial operations, is situated in Collin County, north of Dallas. The city of McKinney is located approximately 11 miles south of Anna.

Prior to this development, the airport primarily supported general, business, and private aviation. A new passenger terminal is scheduled to open in late 2026 to accommodate the increased commercial activity. The launch aims to serve residents in the northern portion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering an alternative to the region's larger, busier airports. McKinney had a population exceeding 235,000 in early 2026, while Collin County, the county seat, has roughly 1.3 million residents.

Initial destinations include Las Vegas and four Florida cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa. The Fort Myers route commences on November 11. Flights to Las Vegas and Orlando start the following day, November 12. Service to Fort Lauderdale and Tampa is set to begin on November 19. Flight frequencies vary by destination, with Las Vegas and Tampa receiving four weekly flights, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale five weekly flights, and Fort Myers two weekly flights.

To support these operations, Avelo will base two Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft at McKinney. Each plane is configured with 184 seats. The airline projects that the initial investment will generate more than 100 local jobs, encompassing roles for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport staff.

Andrew Levy, founder and CEO of Avelo, described McKinney as a key step in the airline's Texas expansion. He highlighted the carrier's low fares and on-time performance as advantages for travelers. McKinney Mayor Bill Cox characterized the announcement as a significant infrastructure and economic milestone, noting it reflects demand for convenient local air travel. Airport Director Ken Carley stated the new terminal and flight launch aim to help passengers save time and money by avoiding congestion at larger regional airports. The new terminal is expected to cover approximately 46,000 square feet. Further details regarding specific ticket pricing or exact job start dates are not yet clear.

Source: avioradar.net.

Sources

https://avioradar.net/en/avelo-opens-mckinney-national-airport-for-scheduled-passenger-service/

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Demarcus Ramos

Demarcus Ramos writes about community life, schools, public safety, and local events in Anna.

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