Avelo Airlines is expanding its new Dallas/McKinney base with four additional nonstop routes and a third Boeing 737, bringing the carrier’s network from McKinney National Airport (DTX) to nine destinations. The new service will connect the North Texas airport with Denver and Atlanta beginning later this winter, followed shortly by service to New Orleans and Nashville. Avelo said the expansion will create approximately 150 jobs at the airport, including positions for pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and airport personnel.

The announcement significantly increases the scale of a base that has not yet opened. Avelo plans to begin its McKinney operation on November 11 with flights to Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, and Tampa. With the third 737 aircraft, the airline will operate three 184-seat Boeing Next-Generation 737s from DTX, while introductory one-way fares for the new market start at $99, including a promotional first checked bag.

Avelo Adds Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans, And Nashville

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Denver International Airport (DEN) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will become the first two additions, with four weekly flights scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Nashville International Airport (BNA) will each receive twice-weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays. The schedules give travelers in Collin County access to a combination of major connecting hubs and leisure-oriented destinations without requiring a trip to one of the region’s larger airports.

Denver is particularly notable because it becomes Avelo’s newest destination overall, expanding the carrier’s route map beyond its existing markets. Atlanta, meanwhile, provides access to one of the largest aviation markets in the United States, while New Orleans and Nashville add two major Southern tourism and business destinations. The new routes also give Avelo a broader mix of markets from McKinney. Rather than concentrating solely on Florida and western leisure destinations, the carrier will offer service across multiple regions from the North Texas airport.

Third Aircraft Expands McKinney’s Operating Base

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Avelo’s decision to add a third aircraft reflects a larger investment in McKinney rather than simply an expansion of individual routes. The airline said its McKinney base will open with three Boeing 737s, with airline founder and CEO, Andrew Levy explaining that the additional aircraft demonstrates a commitment to the surrounding region. The base is part of Avelo’s strategy of operating from smaller airports serving major metropolitan areas. McKinney National Airport is located in Collin County, one of the fastest-growing parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Avelo argues that using DTX can save travelers time by placing commercial service closer to communities north of Dallas, while also reducing some of the parking and ground-transportation burden associated with larger airports.

“The response from North Texas has been extraordinary, and the bookings back that up. Adding four new destinations and a third based aircraft further cements our commitment to Collin County. Our low fares, the small size and convenience of DTX, and our consistent industry-leading on-time performance are a winning combination for travelers. As a proud Texas-born company, we are excited to grow our presence in Texas and Collin County, one of the fastest-growing areas in America. Once you fly with us, you’ll understand what we mean — if you know, you Avelo.”

– Andrew Levy, Avelo Founder and CEO

The airport itself is also approaching a major milestone. McKinney officials said construction of a new passenger terminal is expected to be completed within weeks of the announcement, positioning the facility to handle the beginning of commercial operations ahead of the holiday travel period. Airport officials also said the project is generating employment opportunities in aviation and construction.

What The Expansion Means For Avelo’s Network

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The McKinney expansion comes as Avelo continues building a network centered on lower fares and smaller airports. The airline currently serves 39 destinations across 17 states and Puerto Rico, 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. Avelo’s approach differs from the traditional model of concentrating operations at large hub airports. By establishing bases such as McKinney, the airline can position aircraft closer to communities that may otherwise rely on larger regional airports for nonstop service. The strategy also gives Avelo opportunities to test whether sufficient demand exists for point-to-point routes without depending on connecting traffic.

The airline is simultaneously preparing for another fleet change. Avelo placed an order for up to 100 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in September 2025 and says it will become the first US airline to operate the type. The 140-seat aircraft will use a 2-by-2 configuration without middle seats, potentially giving the carrier another aircraft option as its network develops.

For McKinney, the immediate focus is on launching the first five destinations in November, followed by the four additional markets in December. If the new service generates sufficient demand, the expanded aircraft presence could provide a foundation for further growth from DTX as the airport establishes itself as a commercial alternative for North Texas travelers.