Avelo Airlines will begin commercial passenger service from McKinney National Airport (DTX) this fall, making the carrier the airport’s launch airline and providing North Texas travelers with nonstop flights to five leisure destinations.
The Texas-based airline announced that service will begin on November 11, coinciding with the opening of McKinney National Airport’s new passenger terminal and the airport’s transition to commercial air service.
Five Nonstop Destinations Announced
Avelo’s initial route network will include nonstop flights to Las Vegas and four Florida cities:
- Fort Myers, Florida, beginning November 11 with twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning November 12, with four weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
- Orlando, Florida, beginning November 12, with five weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beginning November 19, with five weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Tampa, Florida, beginning November 19 with four weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The flights will operate aboard 184-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with two planes based at McKinney National Airport.
Airline Plans More Than 100 Local Jobs
Avelo said its new McKinney base will create more than 100 local jobs, including positions for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport personnel.
The carrier is offering introductory one-way fares starting at $99. Customers who book through the end of July will also receive their first checked bag free as part of the promotional launch.
“Avelo was built for moments like this, and we are thrilled to be the launch and anchor airline at McKinney,” Avelo Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said. “Our everyday low fares, the ease of using DTX, and our consistent industry-leading on-time performance are a winning combination for travelers.”
Levy said the airline’s expansion reflects its commitment to North Texas and Collin County, one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.
New Terminal Opens in November
The airline’s launch coincides with the opening of McKinney National Airport’s new 46,000-square-foot passenger terminal.
The facility will initially feature four boarding gates, with room to expand to six. It will also include food and beverage concessions, a 980-space public parking lot, rental car facilities, and ground transportation services.
Airport officials said the new terminal is designed to offer travelers a more convenient alternative to larger airports in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
“I am proud to share that years of planning, partnership, and hard work will come to fruition in November 2026, which is when we will open a brand-new passenger terminal and welcome Avelo Airlines to McKinney National Airport,” Airport Director Ken Carley said.
He added that the service will give North Texas travelers “more choice and the opportunity to begin their journey closer to home.”
City Leaders Welcome Commercial Air Service
McKinney Mayor Bill Cox called the announcement an important milestone for the city as commercial air service arrives at the airport.
“The City of McKinney welcomes Avelo Airlines and the exciting new nonstop service it will provide from McKinney National Airport,” Cox said. “This new service reflects the demand for convenient air travel closer to home and reinforces McKinney’s position as a destination for residents, businesses, and investment.”
Officials said the airport will use the International Air Transport Association code DTX for commercial flights, while continuing general aviation operations under its existing FAA identifier, TKI.
Founded in 2021, Avelo Airlines currently serves 37 destinations across 15 states and Puerto Rico. McKinney will become the airline’s fifth crew base as it continues expanding its network of service from smaller, less-congested airports.
