Denver Alongside Atlanta and Two Other Destinations Added as Avelo Airlines Expands McKinney Network With More Travel Choices

Avelo Airlines announces the addition of Denver, Atlanta and two other destinations to expand McKinney travel choices. The regional airline is expanding its McKinney National Airport network with four new nonstop routes as it looks to provide more travel options to North Texas passengers and increase the airport’s status as a growing passenger hub. Avelo Airlines will offer service to Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans and Nashville, with new flights boosting its total McKinney destinations to nine as the commercial operations prepare to kick off.

The expansion marks a major step in the transformation of McKinney National Airport from a general aviation facility into a commercial travel gateway. The additional routes will provide travellers with more convenient access to major leisure, business and tourism destinations without requiring journeys to larger regional airports.

The new services will begin shortly after Avelo launches its first flights from McKinney. The airline’s initial operations are scheduled to start on November 11, connecting passengers with Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa. With the latest announcement, the airport’s commercial network will quickly expand with a wider selection of domestic travel choices.

Avelo Airlines Expands McKinney Travel Network With Four New Destinations

The latest route expansion will introduce connections between North Texas and four important US destinations. The new flights are designed to support both leisure travellers and business passengers seeking direct connections from a smaller and more accessible airport.

The new routes include:

• Denver International Airport:
  Flights to Denver will begin on December 16. The service will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The route will provide travellers with easier access to Colorado’s mountain destinations, outdoor attractions and urban tourism experiences.
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:
  Service to Atlanta will also begin on December 16. Flights will operate four days each week on the same schedule of Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The connection will strengthen access between North Texas and one of the United States’ busiest aviation and business centres.
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport:
  Flights to New Orleans will launch on December 17. The route will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, offering travellers direct access to a city known for cultural tourism, festivals, cuisine and historic attractions.
• Nashville International Airport:
  Nashville service will begin on December 17, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. The route will connect North Texas travellers with Tennessee’s growing entertainment, music and tourism destination.

The additional destinations create a balanced network covering major metropolitan areas, cultural destinations and popular holiday locations.

More Direct Flights Create New Tourism Opportunities for North Texas Travellers

The expansion of Avelo’s McKinney operations is expected to provide travellers with greater flexibility when planning domestic trips. Smaller regional airports are increasingly attracting passengers who prefer simpler airport experiences, shorter walking distances and easier access compared with larger commercial facilities.

The new routes will help connect North Texas residents with destinations offering diverse travel experiences, including:

• Denver: Access to mountain tourism, national parks, winter travel and outdoor adventures.
• Atlanta: A major gateway for business travel, cultural attractions and connecting journeys.
• New Orleans: A popular destination for heritage tourism, food experiences and festivals.
• Nashville: A growing tourism market recognised for entertainment, events and city breaks.

By expanding nonstop connectivity, the airline network will support tourism flows in both directions. Travellers from McKinney and surrounding communities will gain direct access to new destinations, while visitors from other regions will have additional options to reach North Texas.

Third Boeing 737 Aircraft to Support Growing McKinney Operations

To support the expanded schedule, Avelo Airlines will base a third Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft at McKinney National Airport. The aircraft can accommodate 184 passengers, increasing operational capacity as more routes are introduced.

The additional aircraft is also expected to support local employment growth. The expanded operation is projected to create approximately 150 jobs, adding economic benefits alongside increased passenger movement.

The airline’s growing presence reflects the increasing importance of McKinney National Airport within the wider North Texas transportation network. With more aircraft capacity and additional routes, the airport is being positioned as an alternative travel option for passengers seeking convenient departures closer to home.

Low Fare Travel Options Added for Passengers

The new routes will also introduce affordable travel opportunities, with introductory one-way fares starting at $99. The airline has also included the first checked bag at no additional charge for these introductory offers.

The pricing strategy is aimed at attracting travellers who are looking for lower-cost domestic flights while maintaining access to direct routes from a smaller airport environment.

The combination of affordable fares, nonstop connectivity and reduced airport congestion is expected to appeal to families, leisure travellers and passengers planning short domestic trips.

McKinney National Airport Moves Toward Commercial Aviation Growth

For more than 40 years, McKinney National Airport primarily operated as a general aviation facility. However, a major development programme is now changing its future role in regional transportation.

Construction of a new commercial passenger terminal began after officials broke ground in July 2025. The facility is expected to be completed in late 2026 and will provide the infrastructure required for expanded passenger operations.

The terminal development includes:

• Four initial active gates planned for opening operations.
• Six additional gates already under construction to support future growth.
• Space designed for further expansion as passenger demand increases.
• Facilities expected to handle around 200,000 passengers annually during early operations.
• Long-term potential capacity of more than one million travellers per year.

The airport development has also been linked with significant economic benefits, with projections estimating nearly $300 million in annual economic impact once commercial operations mature.

Avelo Expansion Strengthens North Texas Travel Connectivity

The addition of Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans and Nashville represents a significant expansion phase for Avelo Airlines at McKinney National Airport. The airline’s growing schedule will provide more choices for travellers while supporting the airport’s transition into a commercial aviation destination.

With nine destinations planned, additional aircraft capacity and a new passenger terminal under development, McKinney is becoming an increasingly important travel option within the North Texas region.

Avello Airlines is set to add two popular travel destinations and Denver and Atlanta, further boosting the number of nonstop connections from this critical Texas north hub. The new itineraries will give the region a tourism and leisure lift as well as promote commercial and corporate traffic growth for the local airport as they expand their network.

The expanded network will provide more options for direct travel, foster tourism and leisure connections, as well as open new commercial and corporate traffic opportunities. With the increase in commercial activity, McKinney National Airport will become an even greater player in the connectivity chain for the United States.