By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
McKINNEY, Texas — Avelo Airlines announced two more Florida destinations from McKinney National Airport on Thursday, bringing its planned network to 11 nonstop routes as advance bookings exceed initial projections, according to the airline.
The airline will add flights to Sarasota/Bradenton and West Palm Beach in December while increasing its Las Vegas service to six flights per week during the peak holiday travel season.
The expansion comes less than a month before Avelo begins scheduled passenger service from McKinney National Airport (DTX) on November 11.
Advance Bookings Exceed Initial Projections
Advance bookings for flights from McKinney National Airport are exceeding Avelo’s initial projections, according to the airline.
“We’ve seen bookings ahead of what was initially projected for DTX,” Avelo spokeswoman Courtney Goff told TX3DNews on Thursday.
The airline announced plans last month to add a third aircraft at McKinney, providing more flight time for its expanding schedule.
“Adding the third aircraft, announced last month, provides more flight time and data shows South Florida and the Gulf Coast are popular destinations for North Dallas / McKinney travelers,” Goff said.
Asked what drove the selection of Sarasota/Bradenton and West Palm Beach, Goff pointed to the airline’s research and travelers’ preferences.
“Market research and Customer demand,” she said. “As mentioned above South Florida and the Gulf Coast are popular destinations.”
Two New Florida Routes Begin in December
The two destinations will begin service on consecutive days in December, with each receiving twice-weekly flights.
Service to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) begins Wednesday, December 16, with flights operating Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Flights to President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT) in West Palm Beach begin Thursday, December 17, operating Thursdays and Sundays.
The additions bring the number of Florida destinations in Avelo’s planned McKinney network to six, joining Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa.
Avelo is advertising introductory one-way fares starting at $69. According to the airline’s promotional terms, the fare applies to eligible travel between January 7 and January 31, 2027, and must be purchased by October 22. Seats are limited, and additional charges may apply for baggage, assigned seats and other optional services.
Las Vegas Service Increases to Six Weekly Flights
Avelo is increasing service between McKinney and Las Vegas during the peak holiday travel season, adding Wednesday and Saturday flights to its previously announced schedule.
The additional flights will join service planned for Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, bringing the total to six weekly flights.
“North Texas continues to show up for Avelo,” founder and CEO Andrew Levy said in Thursday’s announcement. “With two new Florida destinations in West Palm Beach and Sarasota-Bradenton, we’ll now serve 11 nonstop routes from DTX.”
Levy also addressed the airline’s decision to increase Las Vegas service.
“We’re also growing our Las Vegas service to six weekly flights to meet strong demand,” he said.
The airline did not provide specific reservation figures for the Las Vegas route in Thursday’s announcement.
McKinney Prepares for November 11 Launch
Avelo’s first flights from McKinney begin November 11, with service to Las Vegas and four Florida cities. Six additional destinations are scheduled to follow in December.
The airline plans to base three Boeing 737 aircraft at McKinney National Airport, an investment expected to create approximately 150 jobs, according to Avelo.
Meanwhile, the McKinney City Council has approved additional terminal construction work and agreements for food concessions and rental car services. Airport Director Ken Carley told council members the additional facilities are needed to support Avelo’s planned operations.
More Destinations Could Follow
Avelo is evaluating potential additional routes from McKinney beyond the 11 destinations already announced.
“We are always evaluating new route opportunities for DTX and our entire network,” Goff told TX3DNews. “Right now the focus will be these 11 destinations, but we may have another destination or two we have our eye on.”
Goff’s comments leave open the possibility of further additions to McKinney’s flight schedule, although the airline’s current plans remain centered on its announced destinations.
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