Avelo Airlines Expands McKinney Operations With Third Aircraft and Four New Nonstop Routes

Avelo Airlines is deepening its commitment to North Texas travelers. The carrier announced it will station a third aircraft at McKinney National Airport (DTX) and launch nonstop service to four additional destinations, bringing its total route map from DTX. 

The expansion positions McKinney as one of Avelo's most significant bases in the country and gives Dallas-area residents new options for avoiding the congestion of DFW International and Dallas Love Field.

What Avelo Is Adding at McKinney

The airline will introduce nonstop flights from McKinney to four new markets: Denver International Airport (DEN), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), and Nashville International Airport (BNA).

To support the growth, Avelo will base a third Boeing 737 aircraft at McKinney. The additional airplane allows the carrier to operate the new routes without cutting frequencies on existing services.

Andrew Levy, Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO, addressed the expansion in the company's announcement. He said Avelo is "doubling down" on its Collin County investment as demand from North Texas travellers continues to build.

Why McKinney Matters

McKinney National Airport sits roughly 30 miles north of downtown Dallas and serves the fast-growing Collin County area, home to cities such as Frisco, Plano, and Allen. Until Avelo arrived, the airport handled primarily general aviation traffic. The carrier's decision to build a commercial base there reflects both the region's population growth and the appetite among suburban travelers for closer, less crowded alternatives to major hubs.

For you as a traveler, that means shorter drives, faster security lines, and easier parking compared to what you would encounter at DFW or Love Field. Avelo's business model focuses on point-to-point flying between underserved airports, which typically translates into lower fares and fewer connections.

New Route Schedule From McKinney

The four new destinations are set to begin service in the coming months. Here is how the new nonstop flights are structured based on Avelo's published schedule.

Specific flight numbers, times, and operating days should be confirmed directly through Avelo's booking system, as the carrier occasionally adjusts schedules based on demand and seasonal factors.

The Bigger Picture for Avelo

Avelo launched service at McKinney in 2024 and has steadily grown its presence there. The addition of a third based aircraft signals confidence that the market can sustain the added capacity. According to the airline, the McKinney base now supports operations that reach into the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Florida markets.

The carrier operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and focuses on secondary airports that larger carriers either underserve or ignore entirely. That strategy has produced mixed results for Avelo across its network, with some routes flourishing and others being cut. McKinney appears to fall firmly in the first category.

Brian Chase, President of Avelo Airlines, has spoken previously about the carrier's willingness to add capacity in markets where demand supports it. The three-aircraft commitment at McKinney places the airport among Avelo's most substantial operations outside its original base at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California.

What This Means for You

If you live in the northern Dallas suburbs, the expansion gives you nonstop access to markets that previously required a connection or a drive south to DFW. Nashville is a popular business and leisure destination. Fort Myers opens up Southwest Florida beaches without the hassle of connecting through Houston or Atlanta. Charleston provides a direct link to one of the Southeast's most popular tourist cities. Portland, Maine, offers access to New England without the usual routing through Boston or New York.

Avelo's fare structure typically comes in below what legacy carriers charge, though you should expect to pay separately for bags, seat assignments, and other extras. The trade-off usually favors travelers who pack light and book early.

Looking Ahead

The McKinney expansion arrives at a moment when several ultra-low-cost and value carriers are reassessing their networks. Avelo's decision to add capacity rather than retreat suggests the airline sees McKinney as a durable market rather than a short-term experiment.

For Collin County residents, the message is straightforward. You have more places to fly nonstop, more days of the week to choose from, and a growing airport that continues to build out its commercial footprint. Whether Avelo can sustain nine destinations from a single suburban airport will depend on how well travelers respond to the new options. Early indications, based on the airline's willingness to commit another aircraft, suggest the demand is there.

Bookings for the new routes are available now through Avelo's website. You should compare fares and schedules against alternatives at DFW and Love Field to determine which option best fits your travel plans.