McKinney National Airport Becomes DFW's Third Commercial Airport with Avelo Airlines Launch

McKinney National Airport has joined Dallas Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field as the third commercial passenger airport serving the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. Avelo Airlines began scheduled service from the North Dallas airport in November, connecting travelers to four Florida destinations.

The move gives residents of Collin County and the northern suburbs a closer option for air travel, cutting out the drive south to the region's two established airports. McKinney National, previously known as Collin County Regional Airport, has operated as a general aviation facility for years and now enters the commercial market with a single carrier and a focused route map.

Avelo's Florida-Focused Launch

Avelo Airlines picked McKinney as a base for four routes, all heading to Florida. The carrier operates flights to Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Sanford Orlando International Airport. Each route runs on a limited weekly schedule using the airline's Boeing 737 aircraft.

Andrew Levy, Avelo's founder and CEO, has positioned the airline around underserved secondary airports rather than competing head-to-head at major hubs. That strategy fits McKinney, which sits about 30 miles north of downtown Dallas and offers shorter security lines and easier parking than the region's larger airports.

The airline has grown quickly since its 2021 launch, adding bases across the country. McKinney adds a Texas anchor to its network and gives Avelo direct access to a fast-growing suburban population.

Flight Schedule

Here are the current Avelo Airlines flights operating from McKinney National Airport based on the latest published schedules.

Travelers should verify times directly with Avelo before booking, as the airline adjusts schedules based on seasonal demand.

Why McKinney Made Sense

McKinney National Airport sits in one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. Collin County has added residents at a steady pace over the past decade, with McKinney itself among the top-ranked cities for population growth nationally. That demographic shift created demand for closer air service, particularly for leisure travelers heading to Florida.

Airport officials have worked for years to attract commercial service. The facility has invested in runway improvements and terminal capacity to accommodate scheduled airline operations. A new terminal building is planned to support the growth of passenger traffic, with construction expected to expand available gate space and passenger amenities.

For travelers, the location cuts drive times significantly. Reaching DFW International from northern Collin County suburbs like Frisco, Prosper, or Celina typically takes an hour or more, depending on traffic. McKinney National offers a much shorter drive for those same residents.

What to Expect at the Airport

McKinney National operates on a smaller scale than DFW or Love Field. You won't find dozens of dining options or extensive retail. Instead, expect a straightforward experience with faster check-in and shorter security waits. The airport handles general aviation traffic alongside the new commercial flights, so scheduling remains manageable.

Parking is available on site and generally costs less than at the larger airports. Rental car options are more limited, though major providers have started expanding presence to meet the new demand.

Avelo operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier, meaning base fares are low, but most extras cost more. Checked bags, carry-on bags beyond a personal item, seat selection, and onboard refreshments all come with additional fees. If you're traveling light and flexible on seating, the pricing can beat legacy carriers by a wide margin.

The Broader Dallas Fort Worth Picture

DFW International remains the dominant airport in the region, handling international traffic and serving as American Airlines' largest hub. Love Field, closer to downtown Dallas, hosts Southwest Airlines' headquarters and operates under the Wright Amendment reform rules that lifted most long-standing flight restrictions in 2014.

McKinney's entry doesn't threaten either airport's dominant position. Instead, it fills a gap for point-to-point leisure travel from the northern suburbs. The model mirrors how airports like Bellingham in Washington or Stewart in New York have carved out roles serving specific geographic markets that larger hubs don't prioritize.

Whether Avelo expands its McKinney presence depends on how these initial routes perform. Strong bookings could bring additional destinations, while weak demand could see the airline pull back. For now, travelers in North Dallas have a new option worth considering, especially for Florida vacations.

Booking Your Flight

You can book Avelo flights directly through the airline's website. Fares tend to be lowest when booked well in advance, and the carrier occasionally runs promotional pricing on new routes. Check schedules carefully since flights don't operate daily on any route.

Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights. Even at a smaller airport, security screening and boarding procedures follow standard TSA requirements. Bring valid identification and be prepared for the same rules on liquids and electronics that apply at any commercial airport.