The great state of Texas’ newest airport, McKinney National, has received its Airport Operating Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Part 139 will allow the airport to accommodate commercial passenger services. This milestone for the Lone Star State marks the first time a Texas airport has received its airport operating certificate in more than two decades.
McKinney National (DTX) will become the third commercial airport in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, following Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). The new airport, located in Collin County, is one of the fastest-growing in the country, and will provide an alternative gateway for North Texas residents, avoiding the crowds and congestion experienced at the city’s two other airports.
McKinney National Airport Edges Closer To Commercial Flights
The new airport edges closer to its first flights, which are to be operated by low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines. The FAA’s latest airport operating certificate being issued demonstrates that the airport has achieved the compliance that is required by multiple federal safety requirements, including that the runway and taxiway pavement conditions are acceptable. Additionally, aircraft rescue, firefighting, emergency planning, and wildlife hazard management personnel training are all in place.
The FAA invested more than $9 million to support infrastructure improvements, including new taxiway construction and federal control tower upgrades. FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Dan Edwards explains:
“The community around McKinney is growing rapidly, and accommodating commercial flights will provide the community with greater access to air travel options. We’re building a stronger National Airspace System, which means providing Texans with the modern, reliable local airports they need to stay connected.”
Avelo Sets Its Sights On Dallas’ Newest Airport
McKinney National is just weeks away from welcoming its first flight, and Avelo Airlines will be the first airline to operate to the new $79 million terminal. Avelo’s first flight will be on November 11 to Fort Myers (RSW), followed closely by 
Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and 
Orlando International Airport (MCO), which will take flight on November 12.
Avelo has committed to a total of nine routes from McKinney, with 
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) beginning on November 19, the same day as services to Tampa International Airport (TPA) push back from the gate. Four more routes were recently announced, including 
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and 
Denver International Airport (DEN) beginning on December 16, and Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) commencing on December 17.
To support Avelo’s operations at McKinney, the airline confirmed it will establish a North Texas base to tap into underserved demand, and it is a prime opportunity for the budget carrier to launch low-cost, affordable flights to popular leisure and business destinations. No other commercial airline has announced plans to operate to McKinney National.
Details Of McKinney National Airport (DTX)
McKinney National is an existing airport that was first established in 1979. It is located 30 miles (48 km) north of downtown Dallas and, since its expansion, will become a reliever airport for the two other cities serving the Dallas metroplex. The airport is already home to corporate aircraft fleets including Texas Instruments and Toyota Motor Corporation. The airport covers a total of 778 acres (315 hectares) and has a concrete runway (18/36) of 7,002 feet (2,134 m) in length. In 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration recorded more than 142,000 aircraft operations:
Aircraft Operations | 142,001 |
|---|---|
Based Aircraft | 203 |
In 2023, the city looked for $200 in bonds to develop the airport into the third major airport for North Texas, and following endorsement by the council in January 2005, construction was approved to build the 45,000 square feet (4,200 m) commercial passenger terminal. The airport has been designed with three gates and will eventually be able to be expanded to five. It has 1,500 parking spaces and rental car facilities.
The airport has U.S. Customs service that is capable of handling international flight operations, and the contracted FAA control tower for flight operations between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
