Avelo Airlines has announced it will launch the first scheduled commercial passenger service at McKinney National Airport, marking a significant shift for the facility which has historically focused on general and private aviation. The low-cost carrier will begin operations on November 11, 2026, utilizing the airport’s new IATA code, DTX.
This development positions McKinney, located approximately 7 miles northeast of Allen, as a new hub for travelers in the northern Dallas–Fort Worth region.
The airline’s initial schedule includes five nonstop destinations. Service to Fort Myers, Florida, will commence on November 11. Flights to Las Vegas and Orlando will follow on November 12, while routes to Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are scheduled to begin on November 19.
The frequency of these flights varies by destination: Las Vegas and Tampa will receive four weekly flights, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale will be served five times per week, and Fort Myers will initially operate twice weekly.
To support this new base, Avelo plans to station two Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, each configured with 184 seats. The airline projects that this expansion will generate more than 100 local jobs, including positions for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport staff.
McKinney National Airport is currently undergoing development to accommodate this growth, including the opening of a new passenger terminal later in 2026.
The new terminal is expected to cover approximately 46,000 square feet and will initially feature four boarding gates, with provisions to expand to six. It will also include a parking facility with 980 spaces. Airport Director Ken Carley stated that the goal is to provide passengers with a convenient alternative to larger, more congested airports in the region, helping them save time and money.
