Might be a good time to start announcing the move into DFW. Also hearing of new larger aircraft coming soon as well. 2026 looks to be a good year of growth and expansions. Still not sure if Southwest is or will entertain using the brand new McKinney (TKI) National Airport as they are talking to 4-6 LCC Airlines to start service there with Avelo (another Texas airline) already signing on for 2026 flights to start...
As of December 2025, Avelo Airlines is the only airline officially confirmed to start flights out of
McKinney National Airport (TKI)
. Other negotiations remain largely confidential due to non-disclosure agreements.
Confirmed Airline Partner
Airlines in Discussions or Evaluation
While officials have not named other specific partners, the following details are known:
Project and Route Outlook
As of December 2025, Avelo Airlines is the only airline officially confirmed to start flights out of
McKinney National Airport (TKI)
. Other negotiations remain largely confidential due to non-disclosure agreements.
Confirmed Airline Partner
- Avelo Airlines: The city of McKinney signed a five-year Airline Use and Lease Agreement with Avelo on December 16, 2025. The Houston-based carrier intends to launch service in late 2026 with up to three daily flights using Boeing 737 aircraft.
Airlines in Discussions or Evaluation
While officials have not named other specific partners, the following details are known:
- Negotiations with Multiple Carriers: Airport officials are currently in active negotiations with at least two other airlines.
- Target Carrier Types: The city is primarily targeting low-cost or ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs). Examples of airlines with business models similar to those in talks include Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit.
- Southwest Airlines: While Southwest has stated it "continually evaluates its network," it has not committed to McKinney and is instead focused on a 2025 announcement to expand operations to DFW International Airport.
Project and Route Outlook
- Potential Destinations: While no routes are finalized, initial discussions have focused on major markets such as Las Vegas, Orlando, Los Angeles, New York, and Denver.
- Terminal Timeline: Construction on the 46,000-square-foot terminal began in July 2025 and is expected to finish in late 2026, which is when the first passenger flights will commence.
