Avelo Airlines Launch Sparks New Era of Affordable Flights at McKinney Airport

Avelo Airlines has signed a multi-year deal to become the first commercial airline at McKinney National Airport in North Texas. The agreement was confirmed in December and marks a major shift for the fast‑growing region. The new terminal is set to open in late 2026, and Avelo will launch passenger flights as soon as the facility is ready. The move is a key step for McKinney as it aims to build a new travel hub.

The plan comes as the Dallas–Fort Worth area faces heavy congestion at its major airports. McKinney leaders say the deal will cut travel time for local residents and help support the area’s expanding population. According to Reuters and Associated Press reports, the project is also tied to wider regional growth patterns.

Avelo Airlines Agreement Brings Jobs, Growth, and New Travel Options

The agreement between Avelo Airlines and McKinney National Airport covers access to runways, gates, aircraft parking, and support facilities. City leaders say the terminal will open with four gates and expand to six based on demand. Officials expect the first schedule to include up to three Boeing 737 flights per day. These aircraft seat more than 140 passengers.

According to Associated Press, the partnership is expected to create more than 100 new jobs. The city projects the terminal could support more than 360 total jobs in its first year. Local tax revenue may exceed $10 million once full operations begin. Each figure reflects McKinney’s expectation that the airport will serve more than 200,000 passengers per year and scale to more than one million later.

For travelers, the goal is simple. McKinney wants to offer short lines, quick check-in, and easy parking. The terminal will include food spots, rental cars, and a large parking area. Leaders say this smaller, faster experience is what many passengers want today. Reuters reports that Avelo’s low‑cost model fits well with this approach.

How the New Airport Service Could Shift Air Travel in North Texas

The Dallas–Fort Worth region continues to grow fast. Current estimates show North Texas could grow from more than 8 million people to more than 12 million by 2050. McKinney and Collin County are among the fastest‑growing areas. The airport expansion aims to meet the needs of this rise.

The project cost is about $79 million and includes grants from the Texas Department of Transportation. City documents also show funding from local bonds and airport-generated revenue. McKinney says it will seek additional support as construction continues.

Not all residents agree with the expansion. Some environmental groups have filed lawsuits over noise and air quality concerns. According to AP, these groups argue that the environmental review was not complete. The city says it will defend the project and follow all federal rules.

Still, the agreement signals clear momentum for commercial air service. With Avelo now on board, McKinney expects interest from other carriers once the terminal opens. The city believes the airport could become a key regional travel option within a few years.

The arrival of Avelo Airlines marks a turning point for McKinney National Airport. The new service brings jobs, growth, and new travel choices, and it sets the stage for long-term use of the main keyword: Avelo Airlines.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will Avelo Airlines start flights at McKinney?

Avelo plans to begin flights when the new terminal opens in late 2026. Final schedules will be announced closer to the launch date.

Q2: How many flights will Avelo operate?

Early plans call for up to three flights per day. These will use Boeing 737 aircraft.

Q3: How many jobs will the airport create?

The city expects more than 360 jobs in the first year. Avelo alone will create more than 100 positions.

Q4: Why is McKinney building a commercial terminal?

The region is growing fast and faces congestion at major airports. McKinney aims to provide a closer and easier travel option.

Q5: Are there environmental concerns?

Some groups have filed lawsuits related to noise and emissions. The city says it will defend its environmental review.