McKINNEY, Texas (Nov. 11, 2026) — McKinney National Airport (DTX) opened doors to its newly constructed passenger terminal to travelers today and Avelo Airlines launched flights to the first of 11 nonstop destinations, marking a new era in aviation for North Texas locals and visitors. The celebration of flights between DTX and Fort Myers, Florida (RSW), brought together City of McKinney, airline, local, and media representatives to recognize a major milestone in support of the growing population and business expansion in the region.
With Avelo Airlines’ Flight #1848 departure to RSW, DTX officially became the newest commercial-service airport in the U.S. Boarding gate festivities included remarks by City of McKinney, DTX, and Avelo representatives; a Veterans Day commemoration by the McKinney Independent School District Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps color guard; an energetic atmosphere with the McKinney High School Marquettes dance team; Florida-inspired refreshments; festive decor; an inaugural-flight ribbon cutting; and DTX- and Avelo-branded gifts for travelers.
“We are so pleased to deliver to our community the air travel convenience they have been requesting for so long,” said McKinney Airport Director Ken Carley, A.A.E. “Our brand-new passenger terminal is efficiently and flexibly designed to support the anticipated numbers of travelers today and beyond as passenger activity continues to grow.”
“All of us at the City of McKinney appreciate the investments Avelo Airlines is making in our community by employing more than 150 locals, basing three aircraft, and launching 11 nonstop destinations beginning today and through December 17,” Carley continued.
DTX in North Texas is now Avelo Airlines’ fifth base airport, with three 184-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft and nonstop flights to 11 cities where travelers want to go to most. Locals and visitors traveling for the holidays and beyond will enjoy DTX’s simple parking and terminal experience and Avelo’s affordable flights to warm-weather and tourism destinations.
| Destination | Flight Days | First Flight in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Myers, FL (RSW) | Four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday | Nov. 11 |
| Las Vegas, NV (LAS) | Six weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | Nov. 12 |
| Orlando, FL (MCO) | Six weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | Nov. 12 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) | Six weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday | Nov. 19 |
| Tampa, FL (TPA) | Four weekly flights on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday | Nov. 19 |
| Atlanta, GA (ATL) | Four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday | Dec. 16 |
| Denver, CO (DEN) | Four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday | Dec. 16 |
| Sarasota / Bradenton, FL (SRQ) | Twice-weekly flights on Wednesday and Saturday | Dec. 16 |
| Nashville, TN (BNA) | Twice-weekly flights on Thursday and Sunday | Dec. 17 |
| New Orleans, LA (MSY) | Twice-weekly flights on Thursday and Sunday | Dec. 17 |
| West Palm Beach, FL (DJT) | Twice-weekly flights on Thursday and Sunday | Dec. 17 |
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Today is a milestone for Avelo and for North Texas. Since we announced McKinney in June, Collin County has shown up for us at every step, and we’ve grown our DTX network from five announced destinations to 11 before our first flight took off. There is no more fitting day to begin than Veterans Day, and we’re proud to honor the veterans on our team, in this community and on board our flights. Our low fares, the size and convenience of DTX, and our consistent industry-leading on-time performance are a winning combination for travelers. As a proud Texas-born company, we’re excited to call Collin County home. Once you fly with us, you’ll understand what we mean — if you know, you Avelo.”
The airport’s 46,000-square-foot terminal opened with four gates with the ability to expand to six gates. DTX’s terminal can serve more than 2 million passengers annually, making the airport well-equipped to serve North Texas travelers in the future.
Parking at DTX is just $15 per day, and the 980-space lot uses a ticketless payment system to make parking lot entry and exit faster.
Other facility features include commissioned murals painted on expansive walls at the departures curbside and inside baggage claim by Texas-based artists. The murals celebrate McKinney’s history, community, and culture, and the excitement of traveling through DTX.
Learn more about DTX’s terminal facilities, first flights, and flight bookings at FlyDTX.com.
Media Contacts
Rosemary Barnes
Public Relations Director
Aviatrix Communications
[email protected]
408-813-8837
Aschelle Morgan
Senior Executive Communications and Public Affairs Manager
City of McKinney
[email protected]
904-655-5698
About McKinney National Airport
McKinney National Airport has served as a general aviation airport under FAA code TKI for over 40 years and has expanded to provide commercial air service in support of the growing population and ongoing business investment in the North Texas region. In summer 2025, McKinney city and airport leaders broke ground at McKinney National Airport (IATA code DTX) on a terminal to serve more than 2 million passengers annually, which opened to the public on November 11, 2026. Avelo Airlines is the first carrier to serve McKinney National Airport. With nonstop flights to 11 cities and the new terminal, located at 1910 FM 546, McKinney, TX 75069, North Texas residents, businesses, and visitors now have more options to travel to and from the region, saving them time, money, and hassle. Learn more at FlyDTX.com and follow @FlyDTX on Instagram and X, and McKinney National Airport on Facebook.
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