Avelo Airlines Takes Flight in Collin County, Opening Its McKinney National Airport Base on Veterans Day

Inaugural flight to Fort Myers launches commercial airline service at DTX
Avelo's DTX network will grow to 11 nonstop destinations by mid-December
New WeSalute partnership brings savings to military, veterans and others who serve
Celebratory one-way fares start at $49

MCKINNEY, Texas, Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avelo Airlines today opened its newest base at McKinney National Airport (DTX), officially becoming Collin County's hometown airline. Avelo's inaugural flight from DTX to Fort Myers (RSW) departed at 9 a.m. on Veterans Day, marking the start of commercial airline service at DTX and the opening of the airport's new passenger terminal.

Celebratory one-way fares start at $49*, and through Sunday, Nov. 15, travelers can save 50% on the fare for a second guest on the same reservation**. Reservations can be made at AveloAir.com. Flight start dates and weekly frequency information are in the chart below.

The gate celebration included remarks by Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy and City of McKinney and DTX leaders, a Veterans Day tribute by the McKinney ISD JROTC honor guard, a colorful fanfare by the McKinney High School Marquettes dance team and an inaugural ribbon cutting. Travelers also received DTX- and Avelo-branded gifts.

To continue the party, Avelo is launching Avelo Airlines McKinney's Hometown Airline Sweepstakes***, which runs Nov. 11-30. The grand prize is a New Year's Eve trip for two to Las Vegas, with round-trip Avelo flights, stay at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino and extras including ziplining and the New Year's Eve party at Fremont Street Experience. Ten more winners will each receive a pair of round-trip Avelo tickets. Texas residents can enter at AveloAir.com/AveloDTXSweepstakes.

Avelo's initial DTX service connects North Texas travelers with nonstop flights to Las Vegas (LAS) and four Florida cities: Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA). Service to Las Vegas and Orlando begins Thursday, Nov. 12, followed by Fort Lauderdale and Tampa on Thursday, Nov. 19.

In mid-December, Avelo will grow its DTX network to 11 nonstop destinations, adding Atlanta (ATL), Denver (DEN) and Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) on Dec. 16, followed by Nashville, Tennessee (BNA), New Orleans (MSY) and West Palm Beach (DJT) on Dec. 17.

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, "Today is a milestone for Avelo and for North Texas. Since we announced McKinney in June, Collin County has shown up for us at every step, and we've grown our DTX network from five announced destinations to 11 before our first flight took off. There is no more fitting day to begin than Veterans Day, and we're proud to honor the veterans on our team, in this community and on board our flights. Our low fares, the 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're excited to call Collin County home. Once you fly with us, you'll understand what we mean — if you know, you Avelo."

Avelo also launched a nationwide partnership with WeSalute today that gives active-duty military, veterans, first responders, nurses, medical professionals, public servants, teachers and their families exclusive savings on Avelo flights, including from DTX. WeSalute members with a free account save 15% on Avelo base fares, and premium WeSalute+ members save 30% with no blackout dates. Members can redeem their discount at WeSalute.com.

McKinney National Airport Director of Aviation Ken Carley said, "We are so pleased to deliver to our community the air travel convenience they have been requesting for so long. Our brand-new passenger terminal is efficiently and flexibly designed to support the anticipated numbers of travelers today and beyond as passenger activity continues to grow. All of us at the City of McKinney appreciate the investments Avelo Airlines is making in our community by employing more than 150 locals, basing three aircraft, and launching 11 nonstop destinations beginning today and through December 17."

Investing in Collin County
With today's opening, three Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft are based at DTX, and Avelo's investment at the airport will create approximately 150 jobs, including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians and airport personnel. Interested applicants can learn more at AveloAir.com/Careers.

America's Most Convenient and Reliable Airline
Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, as America's first new commercial scheduled airline in almost 15 years, Avelo has flown more than 10.5 million Customers on more than 82,000 flights. Avelo currently serves 39 destinations across 17 states and Puerto Rico, including Aguadilla and San Juan.

Avelo has ushered in a new era of convenience, choice and competition by using smaller, less crowded airports in large metro areas. Travelers get a closer airport to start their trip and save on parking and other costs, on top of Avelo's low fares and nonstop flights.

On Avelo, Customers can choose to pay for what they value. Avelo offers a variety of seating options, including its Stretch+ seats with a blocked middle seat and extra legroom.

Customers can also choose to enroll in Avelo PLUS, a popular membership program that offers exclusive benefits including immediate fare discounts, free priority boarding and access to private fare sales.

Avelo launched the Avelo Airlines World Elite Mastercard, which gives cardholders Avelo Cash on all purchases and, when used to purchase travel on Avelo, instant perks including a free carry-on bag, priority boarding and the ability to secure a Standard seat at no added cost.

About Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines' purpose is to Inspire Travel by saving travelers time and money. The airline offers service from small, convenient airports and low fares. Avelo stands out as one of the leading U.S. airlines in on-time performance and reliability, as reported by Anuvu, a third-party data platform used by The Wall Street Journal in its annual airline rankings. The airline has a fleet of 17 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Avelo will be the first U.S. airline to fly the Embraer E195-E2, a new mainline jet aircraft with 140 seats in a 2x2 configuration where no one ever has a middle seat. Avelo placed an order for up to 100 Embraer E195-E2s in September 2025. Avelo serves 39 popular destinations across the United States, including its bases at Southern Connecticut's Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley's Wilmington Airport (ILG), Central Florida's Lakeland International Airport (LAL), Charlotte's Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) and Collin County's McKinney National Airport (DTX). For more information, visit AveloAir.com.

Media Contact:
Courtney Goff
[email protected]

*Airfare prices are per segment and include government taxes and fees. $49 fare is available to/from Dallas / McKinney, TX (DTX) and ATL. Must be purchased by Nov. 15, 2026. Seats and days are limited. Per the Department of Transportation (DOT), advertised fares must include all government taxes and fees. Fare rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice and until ticketed. Restrictions may apply. Not valid on previously purchased itineraries. A $25 charge per seated traveler applies to all bookings or changes made through Avelo's Customer Solutions Center. Additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services may apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit Contract of Carriage.

**50% off DTX discount applies to round-trip bookings with two or more travelers on the same reservation to/from Dallas / McKinney, TX (DTX) only. Travel must be completed between 11/11/‍26 and 4/20/27. Must be purchased by 11:‍59 p.m. PT on 11/15/‍26. Expiration date cannot be extended. To receive promo savings, enter promo code on aveloair.com when you begin your search. Per the Department of Transportation (DOT), advertised fares must include all government taxes and fees. Please note, this discount applies to base fare only and does not apply to government taxes or certain carrier-imposed fees. Promo code is not redeemable for cash, and in the case of reservation cancellations, the promo savings will be forfeited. Seats are limited. Fare rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice and until ticketed. Restrictions may apply. Not valid on previously purchased itineraries or combinable with other promotions. A $25 charge per seated traveler applies to all bookings or changes made through Avelo's Customer Solutions Center. Additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services may apply. For full terms and conditions, please visit Contract of Carriage.

***NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE OR PAYMENT DOES NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. McKinney's Hometown Airline Sweepstakes is open to residents of TX, 18+. Void elsewhere & where prohibited. Ends 11/30/2026. Subject to Official Rules at http://www.aveloair.com/AveloDTXSweepstakes#rules.

SOURCE Avelo Airlines