Avelo Airlines has announced that commercial passenger service will begin at McKinney National Airport (DTX) on November 11, with the inaugural flight departing for Fort Myers, Florida. The carrier will also operate routes to Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, as well as Las Vegas, Nevada. McKinney is located approximately 12 miles east of Frisco.
Introductory fares for the new routes start at $99 each way. The airline stated that passengers who complete their bookings by the end of July will receive one free checked bag. Avelo will utilize 184-seat Boeing 737 aircraft for these operations. The company also indicated that the service will create more than 100 jobs in North Texas to support airport activities.
Andrew Levy, the founder and chief executive officer of Avelo Airlines, described McKinney as a location the company had long considered interesting due to perceived community interest. He highlighted the airline’s low fares, the convenience of the DTX facility, and its on-time performance as key benefits for travelers. Ken Carley, the airport’s director, noted that the announcement provides concrete answers to questions residents and officials have asked for years regarding schedules, routes, and fares.
The launch of commercial flights follows a multi-year effort by the city to develop the airport. Former Mayor George Fuller was a primary supporter of the project, citing potential economic advantages for the region. However, the initiative faced opposition from some neighbors concerned about noise and traffic. In 2023, residents rejected a $200 million bond proposal intended to help cover the estimated $300 million cost for the terminal and infrastructure.
Following the bond’s defeat, the city council identified alternative funding sources and approved zoning changes in 2024, allowing construction to proceed. The passenger terminal features four gates, with space available to expand to six. A federal lawsuit filed by the North Texas Conservation Alliance challenging the Federal Aviation Administration’s environmental review was dismissed.
