Murphy, Wylie and Sachse residents will get their closest commercial airport when McKinney National Airport opens its new terminal Nov. 11.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted the airport a Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate on Thursday, Sept. 24, clearing the way for commercial passenger flights. It is the first time a Texas airport has received the certificate since 2005, the FAA said.

Avelo Airlines, the Houston-based carrier that will be the airport's first commercial tenant, announced four new nonstop destinations the same day. Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans and Nashville join five routes scheduled to launch in November: Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. That gives the airport nine nonstop destinations by mid-December.

"The response from North Texas has been extraordinary, and the bookings back that up," Andrew Levy, Avelo Airlines founder and CEO, said at the Sept. 24 announcement. "Adding four new destinations and a third based aircraft further cements our commitment to Collin County."

What it means for Murphy, Wylie and Sachse

McKinney National Airport sits northeast of Dallas and will become the Dallas-Fort Worth area's third commercial airport, joining DFW International and Dallas Love Field. The airport had operated as a general-aviation field for more than 40 years.

The $79 million, 46,000-square-foot terminal will open with four gates and has room for a fifth and sixth, according to Community Impact. Airport officials expect 200,000 passengers in the first year. The facility includes 980 parking spaces at $15 per day, and Enterprise will provide rental cars.

Routes and fares

Avelo's first flight from McKinney departs Nov. 11 to Fort Myers. Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale follow later in November. Four more routes launch in December:

  • Denver and Atlanta: four times weekly starting Dec. 16
  • New Orleans and Nashville: twice weekly starting Dec. 17

Introductory one-way fares start at $99 and include a free first checked bag. Tickets are already on sale.

Jobs and investment

Avelo is stationing a third 184-seat Boeing 737-800 at McKinney, creating about 150 jobs including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians and airport staff, according to WFAA. The FAA has invested more than $9 million in airport infrastructure, including taxiway construction and a tower upgrade.

Ignacio Flores, director of the FAA's Southwest Region Airports division, presented the operating certificate at the Sept. 24 event.

Ken Carley, McKinney National Airport director, said the terminal was days away from receiving a temporary certificate of occupancy, which would let vendors begin building out food, beverage and retail spaces inside.