Avelo to add four routes from McKinney base, station third 737-800

Avelo Airlines is expanding its planned operation at McKinney National airport in Texas. It will add four destinations and base a third Boeing 737-800 at the North Texas site before passenger flights begin.

Nonstop service to Atlanta, Denver, Nashville and New Orleans starts in December 2026, which brings the airline's planned network from McKinney to nine routes. The airport is scheduled to open in November.

Avelo's first passenger flights from McKinney are set for 11 November 2026, to Las Vegas and four Florida cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa.

From 16 December, the carrier plans four weekly flights to Denver and Atlanta. New Orleans and Nashville follow a day later, at two flights per week.

The extra 184-seat 737-800 will create about 150 jobs locally, the airline said. Chief executive Andrew Levy said bookings from North Texas had been strong, and that the additional aircraft and destinations deepened the company's commitment to Collin County.

McKinney, in Collin County, is opening a 46,000sq ft terminal with four gates built for up to 200,000 passengers a year. The airport is positioned as a less congested option to Dallas/Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field.

Mayor Bill Cox said the new service reflects demand for convenient travel closer to home and supports McKinney's standing as a place for residents, businesses and investment.

Commercial flights begin after years of local political argument and legal disputes over funding for the airport. City officials say the litigation will not affect the launch, according to the report.