McKinney National Airport (DTX): The Complete Guide to Flights, Airlines, Parking & the New Terminal

McKinney National Airport (DTX): The Complete Guide to Flights, Airlines, Parking & the New Terminal

For decades, flying out of North Texas meant one of two choices: DFW International or Dallas Love Field. For anyone living in McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Anna, Melissa, or Princeton, either one meant a long drive south, expensive parking, and a big-airport security line.

That changes on November 11, 2026. McKinney National Airport is opening its first commercial passenger terminal and becoming the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex's third commercial airport. Avelo Airlines will fly nonstop to nine destinations.

This guide covers everything you need to know: every route and schedule, the airline, fares, parking, the new terminal, how to get there, and what the airport means for Collin County homeowners and buyers.

McKinney National Airport at a Glance

Big News: FAA Certification and Four New Routes

September 24, 2026 was a milestone day for McKinney National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration presented the airport with its Airport Operating Certificate, the federal approval required before an airport can host scheduled commercial passenger flights. FAA officials called it a rare milestone, noting that the last time a Texas airport received one was more than 20 years ago.

On the same day, Avelo Airlines announced four new nonstop routes: Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Nashville. That brings Avelo's McKinney network to nine destinations before the first plane even takes off. Avelo is also adding a third Boeing 737-800 to its McKinney base.

Which Airlines Fly Out of McKinney National Airport?

Avelo Airlines is currently the only commercial airline at McKinney National Airport. It's the launch and anchor carrier, and it has made DTX one of its operating bases, meaning planes and crews are stationed in McKinney rather than just flying in and out.

No other airlines have been announced. The terminal was built with room to grow to six gates, so more carriers or more Avelo flights could come later as demand builds.

About Avelo Airlines

• Headquarters: Houston, Texas, which makes it a Texas-born airline
• First flight: April 28, 2021
• Passengers flown: More than 10.5 million on more than 80,000 flights
• Network: 39 destinations across 17 states and Puerto Rico
• Fleet: 17 Boeing Next-Generation 737s, with up to 100 Embraer E195-E2 jets on order. The E195-E2 seats 140 in a 2-2 layout, so there are no middle seats.
• Other bases: New Haven, CT; Wilmington, DE; Lakeland, FL; and Concord, NC (Charlotte area). McKinney becomes its newest base in November 2026.
• Business model: Low fares with optional paid extras such as bags, seat selection, and Stretch+ seats with extra legroom and a blocked middle seat

Avelo's strategy is to serve smaller, less congested airports in large metro areas. That's exactly what McKinney offers to the northern half of DFW.

All Flights from McKinney National Airport (DTX)

Here's every nonstop route announced from McKinney as of September 24, 2026:

Launch Routes (November 2026)

New Routes (December 2026)

By the numbers: Once all nine routes are running, DTX will have about 32 weekly departures. Flights operate Wednesday through Monday, with no scheduled Tuesday service. The airline says all routes are bookable now at AveloAir.com.

Route-by-Route Highlights

Fort Myers (RSW): This is the inaugural route, departing on Veterans Day. It's the gateway to Sanibel, Captiva, Naples, and Southwest Florida's Gulf beaches, and a strong winter draw for North Texas families and retirees.

Las Vegas (LAS): With four flights a week, Las Vegas is set up for long-weekend trips (Thursday out, Sunday or Monday back) for conventions, shows, and getaways.

Orlando (MCO): At five flights a week, Orlando is tied for the busiest route. It's the most direct way from Collin County to Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld without driving to DFW or Love Field.

Fort Lauderdale (FLL): This route also runs five times a week. It serves South Florida beaches and Miami, and it's a major departure point for Caribbean cruises out of Port Everglades.

Tampa (TPA): Four flights a week serve Tampa Bay, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Busch Gardens. Tampa is also a busy cruise port.

Denver (DEN): Denver is a brand-new destination for Avelo's entire network, not just McKinney. It's timed for ski season, with access to Colorado's Front Range and mountain resorts.

Atlanta (ATL): Atlanta is the world's busiest airport and a major business destination. It's a useful option for Collin County's corporate travelers.

New Orleans (MSY): Twice-weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays fit a long weekend. The service starts in time for the holidays and the lead-up to Mardi Gras season.

Nashville (BNA): Also twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, this route is well suited to bachelorette parties, concerts, and weekend trips to Music City.

Fares, Baggage, and Booking

Introductory $99 Fares

Avelo is offering introductory one-way fares from $99, including taxes and government fees. The fine print matters:

• The $99 fare is valid for travel Dec. 1–17, 2026, and Jan. 7–31, 2027.
• Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 12, 2026.
• Seats and days are limited.

Free First Checked Bag Promotion

For bookings to or from DTX made by 11:59 p.m. PT on Oct. 12, 2026, Avelo is waiving the fee for the first checked bag, as long as travel is completed by Jan. 31, 2027. The bag must be added online, and the savings are forfeited if you cancel.

How Avelo Pricing Works

Avelo is a low-fare airline, so the base ticket covers your seat and a personal item. Carry-on bags, checked bags, and seat assignments cost extra unless covered by a promotion. Booking through the call center adds $25 per traveler, so book online. A few ways to save:

• Avelo PLUS membership includes discounted fares, free priority boarding, and access to private fare sales.
• Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard holders get a free carry-on, priority boarding, and a free Standard seat assignment when using the card for Avelo travel.
• TSA PreCheck works on Avelo flights.

Tip: When comparing an Avelo fare with a legacy carrier out of DFW, add up bags, seats, and parking before deciding. DTX's cheaper, closer parking often tips the math in McKinney's favor.

The New Passenger Terminal

McKinney built a brand-new 46,000-square-foot commercial passenger terminal on the east side of the airport, separate from the existing general aviation facilities. Construction took about 18 months.

Terminal features:

• 4 gates at opening, with capacity to add a 5th and 6th gate
• Designed to handle up to 1 million passengers per year, with about 200,000 expected in year one
• Modern check-in, TSA security screening, and baggage claim
• Open gate areas with food and drink past security. Vendors are still being finalized.
• Two murals by Texas artists, one curbside and one in baggage claim
• A new Taxiway C connecting the terminal ramp to the recently extended 8,002-foot runway

The airport director describes the goal as a simple "curb-to-cabin" experience. In practice, that means short walks, short lines, and no people movers or terminal trains.

Parking at McKinney National Airport

• 980 public parking spaces on-site
• $15 per day
• Contactless payment

For comparison, DFW's terminal and express parking typically cost more per day, and remote lots add shuttle time. For a four-night Florida trip, parking at DTX runs about $60 to $75, and you'll likely be home well before you'd have cleared the LBJ/635 traffic coming back from DFW.

Rental Cars and Ground Transportation

• Enterprise will run on-site rental car service.
• The terminal includes a curbside area for pick-up, drop-off, and rideshare.

How to Get to McKinney National Airport

The airport is at 1910 FM 546 in McKinney, on the southeast side of the city. Approximate drive times from around Collin County:

Drive times vary with traffic and construction.

For many households in the northern half of the Metroplex, DTX cuts the drive to the airport by 30 minutes to an hour or more each way compared with DFW or Love Field.

McKinney National Airport vs. DFW vs. Love Field

DTX won't replace DFW for international trips, connections, or frequent business travel. What it offers is a fast, simple option for the vacation trips North Texans take most often: Florida, Las Vegas, Denver, Nashville, and New Orleans.

The Road to Commercial Service: A Brief History

McKinney National Airport has served general aviation, including private, corporate, and charter flights, for more than 40 years. Bringing airline service took years of work:

• 2019: City and airport leaders set commercial air service as a priority.
• Bond elections: Voters rejected airport expansion bonds twice, so the city moved forward using other state, federal, and local funding.
• January 2025: The city approved plans for a commercial passenger terminal.
• Mid-2025: Construction began on the terminal.
• December 2025: Avelo signed a five-year use-and-lease agreement with an optional five-year extension, becoming the first airline.
• June 30, 2026: Avelo announced its first five routes and the Nov. 11 launch date.
• September 24, 2026: The FAA issued the Airport Operating Certificate, and Avelo added four routes and a third aircraft.
• November 11, 2026: First commercial flight departs for Fort Myers.

The FAA has also invested more than $9 million in airfield safety and equipment at the airport.

Jobs and Economic Impact

Avelo's McKinney base is expected to create about 150 jobs, including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport staff. Airport revenue will also come from passenger facility charges, parking, rental cars, and concessions, which support operations without relying solely on general city funds. Airport and Avelo job openings are posted at McKinneyTexas.org/jobs and AveloAir.com/careers.

What the New Airport Means for Collin County Homeowners and Buyers

For anyone buying or selling in North Texas, a commercial airport is a meaningful change to the local landscape.

Convenience is a real lifestyle upgrade. A 15- to 25-minute drive to your airport, with $15 parking and short security lines, is a selling point for McKinney, Allen, Princeton, Melissa, Anna, Lucas, and Fairview. Families who take one or two Florida or Las Vegas trips a year will notice the difference right away.

Expect more economic activity. A commercial airport tends to attract hotels, restaurants, logistics, and corporate interest to the area around it, which supports long-term demand in east Collin County.

Do your homework on noise. If you're considering a home close to the airport or under the approach and departure paths, check the flight paths, visit at different times of day, and review any airport-related disclosures. Commercial jets are louder and more regular than general aviation traffic, and the impact on a specific street depends on where it sits relative to the runway. A local agent can help you evaluate this before you commit.

Considering a move to the area? See our guides: [Pros and Cons of Living in McKinney, TX] · [Pros and Cons of Living in Anna, TX] · [Pros and Cons of Living in Allen, TX]

Frequently Asked Questions About McKinney National Airport

When do commercial flights start at McKinney National Airport?
Commercial flights begin November 11, 2026, with Avelo's first flight to Fort Myers, Florida.

What is the airport code for McKinney National Airport?
Passenger flights use the code DTX. You may still see TKI, the airport's longtime FAA identifier.

What airlines fly out of McKinney National Airport?
Avelo Airlines is currently the only commercial airline serving DTX.

Where can I fly nonstop from McKinney?
Nine destinations: Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Nashville.

How much are flights from McKinney National Airport?
Introductory one-way fares start at $99, including taxes and fees, for select travel dates if purchased by Oct. 12, 2026.

How much does parking cost at McKinney National Airport?
Parking is $15 per day, with 980 spaces and contactless payment.

Is there a rental car counter at DTX?
Yes. Enterprise will provide rental cars on-site.

Does McKinney National Airport have international flights?
No. All current routes are domestic.

Can I use TSA PreCheck at McKinney National Airport?
Avelo participates in TSA PreCheck. Confirm lane availability closer to opening.

Where is McKinney National Airport located?
It's at 1910 FM 546, McKinney, TX, about 30 miles north of downtown Dallas.

Thinking About Moving Closer to DTX?

North Texas keeps growing north, and McKinney National Airport is one more reason Collin County sits at the center of that growth. Whether you're looking in McKinney, Allen, Princeton, Melissa, or Anna, OnDemand Realty can help you find the right home. That includes understanding what the airport's location and flight paths mean for any address you're considering.