Construction is currently underway on a new commercial passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport in Collin County. The project, valued at $79 million, involves the development of a 46,000-square-foot facility that will feature four gates. Airport officials indicate that the site is positioned to become the third commercial airport in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, joining DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field.
Ken Carley, the airport director, stated that the expansion is a response to growing aeronautical demand in North Texas. He noted that while the area has historically focused on general aviation, recent interest from airlines has prompted the shift toward commercial service. Carley explained that the region’s growth, particularly in Collin County, has created a need for additional commercial capacity.
Houston-based Avelo Airlines is scheduled to begin commercial operations at the airport on November 11. The carrier will launch nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as four destinations in Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa. Carley estimated that the airport’s catchment area generates approximately two million enplanements annually, representing travelers who currently fly from nearby locations.
Statewide data suggests a broader trend in increased passenger volume. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport reported its busiest year in 2023 with over 22 million passengers. Dallas Love Field recorded 17.5 million passengers in the same year, while William P. Hobby Airport in Houston set a record with 14.6 million passengers in 2024. These figures highlight the strong demand for passenger flights across Texas.
