McKinney National Airport Teams Up With Avelo Airlines To Introduce Affordable Air Travel Options and New Nonstop Destinations From Its New Passenger Terminal

Published on December 17, 2025

McKinney National Airport is set to transform air travel by partnering with Avelo Airlines to offer affordable options and exciting new nonstop destinations. With the opening of its new passenger terminal, this collaboration promises to make travel more accessible, connecting McKinney to a range of sought-after locations while providing passengers with an enhanced travel experience. By focusing on cost-effective fares and expanding travel choices, the partnership is poised to become a key player in the region’s growing travel and tourism sector.

McKinney National Airport (TKI) is making strides toward becoming a key hub for air travel in the North Texas region. In a groundbreaking move, the airport has signed its first airline partnership, securing an Airline Use and Lease Agreement (ULA) with Texas-based Avelo Airlines. This deal marks a significant step toward the launch of commercial passenger services at the airport, with Avelo becoming the first carrier to commit to operations at McKinney’s new passenger terminal, currently under construction.

The ULA agreement, finalized this week, establishes the foundation for Avelo Airlines and future carriers operating at McKinney National Airport. This partnership paves the way for increased air travel options and economic growth in the surrounding community. The agreement will grant Avelo access to essential airport facilities, including runways, taxiways, aircraft parking, and maintenance areas. Additionally, Avelo will have access to non-exclusive spaces in the terminal, such as check-in counters, boarding gates, and flight information displays, as well as exclusive office and administrative space for its operations.

Avelo Airlines has expressed excitement about the partnership, with the airline’s leadership emphasizing the positive impact the new passenger terminal will have on both McKinney residents and travelers in the broader North Texas area. Although the airline has not yet announced the official start of its operations or which nonstop destinations it will offer from McKinney, this partnership signals the beginning of a new chapter for the airport. Travelers can expect more information on routes and service details as the terminal’s completion date approaches.

Avelo Airlines is known for its commitment to providing affordable air travel with convenient and reliable service. The airline’s low-fare model and simple, customer-friendly approach are expected to resonate with McKinney residents and visitors to the region. In addition to providing more travel choices, the airline’s operations will generate over 100 new jobs, further contributing to the local economy.

The partnership between McKinney National Airport and Avelo Airlines is not only a significant milestone for the airport but also for the surrounding region. It marks the beginning of a transformation that is expected to lead to an increase in air travel options for residents of McKinney and surrounding cities in Collin County. With the new terminal slated to handle approximately 200,000 passengers annually, the potential for future growth is immense. Airport officials have indicated that, with expanded gate capacity, McKinney National Airport could eventually accommodate over 1 million passengers per year.

The airport expansion is expected to stimulate the regional economy, creating opportunities for business growth, tourism, and job creation. The addition of direct flight options will also make McKinney and its neighboring cities more accessible to travelers from other parts of the country and beyond. This development is especially timely as McKinney continues to grow, with local businesses and residents benefiting from increased connectivity and economic development.

In addition to the airline partnership, McKinney National Airport has seen several key developments. The groundbreaking of the new passenger terminal earlier this year has generated significant excitement. The terminal will feature modern facilities designed to enhance the travel experience, with amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. This expansion is expected to drive further growth in the tourism and transportation sectors, making McKinney a more attractive destination for both visitors and residents.

Furthermore, the airport recently opened a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, enhancing its ability to support international operations. This facility will allow McKinney National Airport to expand its global reach, attracting travelers from abroad and promoting international business opportunities. As the airport continues to develop its infrastructure and capabilities, it is positioning itself as a key player in the North Texas aviation market.

Despite the positive outlook for McKinney National Airport, the expansion has faced opposition. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of the airport’s growth on local ecosystems. A lawsuit filed by the North Texas Conservation Association alleges that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) did not adequately assess the long-term environmental effects of the airport expansion, particularly regarding noise pollution and air quality. These concerns are being carefully considered as the development moves forward.

As McKinney National Airport continues to make progress on its expansion plans, the partnership with Avelo Airlines serves as a critical step in solidifying its place in the region’s transportation landscape. The collaboration between the city, airport officials, and Avelo is a testament to the growing demand for air travel services in the area, as well as the commitment to meeting the needs of both residents and visitors.

Looking ahead, McKinney National Airport is set to become a major player in the North Texas air travel market. With the support of Avelo Airlines and other future airline partners, the airport is poised for long-term growth, offering enhanced travel options and contributing to the region’s economic vitality. As the terminal nears completion, travelers can look forward to more direct flight options, a streamlined airport experience, and the continued development of McKinney as a vibrant hub for both air travel and economic activity.

McKinney National Airport is partnering with Avelo Airlines to introduce affordable air travel and new nonstop destinations, with the launch of its new passenger terminal enhancing connectivity and travel options for passengers. This collaboration aims to make travel more accessible and cost-effective.

In conclusion, McKinney National Airport’s partnership with Avelo Airlines is a major step forward in expanding air travel options for North Texas. This agreement lays the groundwork for increased connectivity, job creation, and economic growth in the region, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for McKinney and the broader Collin County area. As the new passenger terminal takes shape, McKinney National Airport is poised to become a key player in the future of air travel in North Texas.