Avelo Airlines has announced it will launch the first scheduled commercial passenger service at McKinney National Airport, marking a significant shift for the facility from its previous focus on general and private aviation. The carrier will begin operations on November 11, 2026, establishing itself as the anchor airline for the airport, which is located in Collin County, north of Dallas.
The airline will initially operate five nonstop routes from the airport, which will use the IATA code DTX. The first destination, Fort Myers, Florida, will open on November 11. Flights to Las Vegas and Orlando, Florida, are scheduled to begin the following day, November 12. Services to Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, Florida, will commence on November 19.
Flight frequencies have been outlined for the initial phase. Las Vegas will receive four weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Orlando and Fort Lauderdale will each be served five times per week. Tampa will also have four weekly flights, while Fort Myers will initially operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To support this new base, Avelo plans to station two Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, each configured with 184 seats. The airline stated that the initial investment is expected to generate more than 100 local jobs, including positions for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and other airport personnel.
McKinney National Airport is undergoing development to accommodate this new phase. A new passenger terminal is expected to open in late 2026. The facility will cover approximately 46,000 square feet and initially feature four boarding gates, with capacity to expand to six. It will also include a parking structure with 980 spaces.
Local officials and airline leadership have highlighted the economic and logistical implications of the launch. McKinney Mayor Bill Cox described the announcement as an infrastructure and economic milestone, noting it reflects growing demand for convenient air travel closer to home.
