Avelo Airlines has announced it will launch the first scheduled commercial passenger service at McKinney National Airport, with operations beginning on November 11, 2026. The low-cost carrier will serve as the anchor tenant for the facility, which has historically focused on general, business, and private aviation. McKinney is located approximately 7 miles west of Princeton.
The airline will initially operate five nonstop routes from the airport, which will use the IATA code DTX. Flights to Fort Myers, Florida, will commence on November 11. Services to Las Vegas and Orlando will begin the following day, November 12. Routes to Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are scheduled to start on November 19.
Flight frequencies have been established for the initial phase. Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale will each receive five weekly flights, while Orlando will also be served five times per week. Las Vegas flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Tampa will receive four weekly flights, and Fort Myers will initially have two weekly departures on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To support this new base, Avelo plans to station two Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft, each configured with 184 seats. The airline stated that the initial investment is expected to create more than 100 local jobs, including positions for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport personnel.
Avelo Founder and CEO Andrew Levy described McKinney as a significant step in the airline’s expansion within Texas. He highlighted the carrier’s low fares and on-time performance as key benefits for travelers. McKinney Mayor Bill Cox characterized the announcement as an infrastructure and economic milestone, noting it reflects growing demand for convenient air travel closer to home. Airport Director Ken Carley added that the new terminal and service aim to help passengers save time and money by avoiding larger, more congested regional airports.
