Avelo Airlines Adds Las Vegas Flights From McKinney Airport

Avelo Airlines Returns to Las Vegas via McKinney

Avelo Airlines is set to return to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), launching new nonstop service from McKinney National Airport (DTX) in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This expansion, confirmed by the airline's official announcement, marks the carrier's second attempt to establish a sustainable presence in the Las Vegas market, shifting its operational focus to a new Texas-based hub. The route will operate four times per week using 184-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The Strategic Shift to McKinney

The move to establish a base at McKinney National Airport represents a classic ultra-low-cost carrier strategy. By utilizing a secondary reliever airport, Avelo avoids the high congestion and operating costs associated with major hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) or Dallas Love Field. This transition requires the airport to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 Airport Certification standards, which oversee the safety and infrastructure requirements for commercial passenger service. The city is currently preparing a new passenger terminal to accommodate the expected traffic, with operations slated to begin in November 2026.

For Collin County residents, the introduction of commercial service provides a significant convenience, reducing the commute to reach a major airport by over 30 miles. Avelo founder and CEO Andrew Levy highlighted the strategic importance of the connection, noting that the service provides an affordable and reliable option for travelers moving between these two high-growth markets. The airline's initial investment is expected to create over 100 local jobs within the McKinney area.

Historical Context and Market Strategy

Avelo's current strategy mirrors the successful model pioneered by Allegiant Air in the early 2000s, which focused on point-to-point leisure routes from secondary airports to avoid direct competition with legacy carriers. Interestingly, Andrew Levy served as a key executive at Allegiant during its growth phase. This new initiative follows Avelo's previous attempt to operate in Las Vegas in September 2021, which focused on smaller West Coast destinations before the airline ultimately exited the market. By anchoring this new attempt in the rapidly growing North Texas region, the airline aims to leverage a stronger origin-market demand.

Future Milestones

• November 12, 2026: Official launch of nonstop service between McKinney (DTX) and Las Vegas (LAS).
• November 2026: Expected opening of the new commercial passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport.

Why This Matters for North Texas Travelers

The introduction of a new commercial base at McKinney signals a broader trend in regional aviation, where secondary airports are increasingly viewed as viable hubs for leisure-focused carriers. For price-sensitive travelers in the northern suburbs of Dallas, this development offers a competitive alternative to the larger, legacy-dominated hubs. While the impact on DFW's total traffic volume is expected to be negligible, the move positions Avelo to capture a significant share of the regional leisure market by offering introductory one-way fares starting at $99.