McKinney National Airport in Texas is one step closer to beginning scheduled commercial air service.
The FAA on Thursday issued McKinney a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate, allowing the facility to accommodate commercial airlines.
McKinney, which is located about 30 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, is currently used for general aviation. Its new passenger terminal, approved in 2025, is under construction and expected to open later this fall.
“The community around McKinney is growing rapidly, and accommodating commercial flights will provide the community with greater access to air travel options,” FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Dan Edwards said in a statement. “We’re building a stronger National Airspace System, which means providing Texans with the modern, reliable local airports they need to stay connected.”
The FAA said it has invested more than $9 million at McKinney in support of infrastructure projects, including taxiway construction and upgrading the airport’s federal contract tower.
So far, only ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo has committed to serving McKinney. It will launch service to Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Orlando on Nov. 11.
The airline announced Thursday that it will add four more connections in December, to Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Nashville, Tennessee.
McKinney is the first airport in Texas to receive an Airport Operating Certificate since 2005.
