McKinney's New Airport Terminal Stays on Schedule with Ground-Level Boarding

The city highlights the terminal's smaller, easier boarding experience without jet bridges.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The new passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport is on track to open by the end of the year, offering travelers a unique boarding experience without traditional jet bridges. Instead, passengers will board aircraft at ground level, providing a more convenient and streamlined process compared to larger commercial airports. The city is promoting the airport as an "airport of convenience" with short walks and easy access.

Why it matters

The new terminal design aims to differentiate McKinney National Airport from major commercial hubs, providing a more efficient and less crowded boarding experience. This could help attract travelers looking for a simpler alternative to large airports, especially as the city seeks to grow commercial air service with the arrival of Avelo Airlines.

The details

Construction on the new passenger terminal remains on schedule to finish by the end of 2026. Visitors and airline partners were given a progress tour this week, highlighting the lack of jet bridges. Instead, passengers will board aircraft at ground level, offering a unique experience compared to larger airports. Avelo Airlines, which will operate one of its four national bases out of McKinney, toured the site as it prepares to launch service. The airline plans to start slowly, occupying about half of the terminal's six gates, and focus on serving both travelers to the area and the local community.

  • Construction on the new passenger terminal broke ground in July 2025.
  • The new terminal is expected to be completed and open by the end of 2026.

The players

McKinney National Airport

A regional airport serving the city of McKinney, Texas, located north of Dallas.

Avelo Airlines

A Houston-based airline that will operate one of its four national bases out of McKinney National Airport.

Kenneth Carley

The director of McKinney National Airport.

Courtney Goff

The communications manager for Avelo Airlines.

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What they’re saying

“Typically, our service from Connecticut to Houston and Dallas is mainly been focused on the Connecticut traveler wanting to get to this area. This time we'll not only be able to focus on getting people in but also the local community and see where they want to go when they're visiting friends and family, going on vacation or on potential business trips.”

— Courtney Goff, Communications Manager, Avelo Airlines (cbsnews.com)

“When you're looking at adding commercial service, and we're talking initially 3 flights a day or something like that, it's really a pretty minimal impact to the operations that are already happening.”

— Kenneth Carley, Director, McKinney National Airport (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The new terminal design at McKinney National Airport aims to provide a more convenient and streamlined boarding experience for travelers, differentiating it from larger commercial hubs. This could help attract passengers looking for a simpler alternative, as the city seeks to grow its commercial air service offerings.