Avelo launches four new nonstop routes from McKinney

Avelo Airlines will begin scheduled service from McKinney National Airport on November 11, adding Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans and Nashville as its first nonstop destinations. The ultra-low-cost carrier is cementing its commitment to North Texas with a third based aircraft and approximately 150 new airport jobs.

Avelo plans to begin its McKinney operation on November 11 with flights to Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa. Those initial Florida and western routes were announced in June. The four new destinations represent a strategic broadening of the airline's market mix from the growing regional airport. Denver is Avelo’s newest destination overall, while Atlanta provides access to one of the largest aviation markets in the United States. New Orleans and Nashville add major Southern tourism and business destinations.

Service to Denver and Atlanta will begin later this winter, followed shortly by service to New Orleans and Nashville. The airline will base a third Boeing 737-800 aircraft at McKinney. With this addition, Avelo will operate three 184-seat Boeing Next-Generation 737s from DTX. McKinney’s addition will make it the third commercial airport in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, alongside DFW International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Avelo is currently the only airline planning scheduled commercial service at McKinney.

Expanded aircraft and job creation at McKinney

With the third aircraft, Avelo will operate three Boeing 737s from the new terminal, creating about 150 jobs at the airport. The expansion will create approximately 150 jobs at the airport, including positions for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport personnel. The airport project is also generating employment opportunities in aviation and construction.

Introductory one-way fares for the new market start at $99, including a promotional first checked bag. Andrew Levy, the founder and CEO of Avelo Airlines, pointed to strong early demand. "The response from North Texas has been extraordinary, and the bookings back that up," he said.

Strategic benefits of smaller airports

Avelo’s expansion supports its strategy of serving major metros from smaller, more convenient airports, reducing travel time and parking burdens. The airline aims to save travelers time by placing commercial service closer to communities north of Dallas. It also aims to reduce the parking and ground-transportation burden associated with larger airports. McKinney National Airport is located in Collin County, one of the fastest-growing parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Construction of a new passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport is expected to be completed within weeks of the announcement. The new terminal is positioned to handle the beginning of commercial operations ahead of the holiday travel period. Levy highlighted the model's appeal. "Our low fares, the small size and convenience of DTX, and our consistent industry-leading on-time performance are a winning combination for travelers," he said.

Industry context and future growth

The new routes place Avelo among a handful of carriers offering service from McKinney and could spur further expansion if demand holds. Avelo currently serves 39 destinations across 17 states and Puerto Rico. The airline operates a fleet of 17 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft and has carried more than 10.5 million customers since beginning operations in April 2021. In a separate fleet development, Avelo placed an order for up to 100 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in September 2025. The Embraer E195-E2 is a 140-seat aircraft with a 2-by-2 configuration without middle seats.

If the new service generates sufficient demand, the expanded aircraft presence could support further growth from DTX. Avelo will officially launch service at McKinney on November 11.