McKinney National Airport Expansion: Bringing Commercial Flights to Collin County

• Key Takeaways:

  • Commercial Flights Coming Soon: McKinney National Airport will offer passenger service by late 2026.

  • $72 Million Expansion: A new terminal with up to five gates, parking, and infrastructure improvements is in development.

  • Funding Without Property Tax Bonds: The project will be funded through sales tax revenue, federal loans, grants, and airport-generated tax bonds.

  • Community Concerns Persist: Some residents oppose the expansion due to noise, traffic, and environmental impact.

  • Economic Growth Opportunity: The city emphasizes job creation, business growth, and regional benefits.

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  A New Era for McKinney: Commercial Flights on the Horizon

  The City of McKinney is soaring toward a major milestone—bringing commercial passenger flights to McKinney National Airport. With a $72 million investment, the expansion will include a new terminal with up to five gates, 1,500 parking spaces, and modern infrastructure to support air travel. This long-anticipated project, projected to launch in late 2026, will provide a much-needed alternative to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field. While challenges remain, the vision for McKinney’s aviation future is taking shape.

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  A Scaled-Down but Ambitious Plan

  This project is the result of a significant funding shift. In 2023, voters rejected a $200 million bond proposal, leading city officials to revise and downsize the expansion. The current plan is more cost-effective, using sales tax revenue, federal loans, grants, and airport-generated tax bonds—eliminating the need for property tax bonds.

  “We listened to voters … we are not pursuing any of these items with property tax-backed bonds or financing of any kind,” city officials stated. This alternative funding approach helped gain critical approvals, ensuring that McKinney moves forward with its aviation ambitions.

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Public Debate: Progress vs. Preservation

Despite official approvals, the expansion remains a hot topic. Many residents worry about the increased traffic, noise, and environmental impact. Some argue that the 2023 bond rejection was not just about funding, but a broader opposition to commercial flights in McKinney.

“Airport expansion was rejected by voters because voters do not want the increased traffic, the increased noise or the loss of much of McKinney’s ‘unique by nature’ environment,” said one opponent.

McKinney’s branding as “Unique by Nature” has also fueled concerns, as the expansion requires removing trees and green spaces, seemingly contradicting the city’s environmental commitments.

Economic Growth and Regional Impact

City leaders argue that McKinney National Airport is an economic asset with untapped potential. The expansion is expected to create jobs, attract businesses, and improve quality of life by offering convenient flight options.

“Maximizing the commercial value of McKinney National Airport has long been a priority of the City of McKinney and City Council, and this demonstrates their commitment to helping the airport realize its full potential,” said one official.

In its first year, the airport is projected to serve 200,000 passengers, with expectations to reach 1 million passengers within five years. While small compared to Love Field (20 gates) or DFW (170 gates), the new three-gate terminal—scaling up to five gates—will provide much-needed regional travel options.

What’s Next?

Before takeoff, several steps remain:

• The city council must finalize the funding plan.

• Negotiations with airlines are ongoing to secure passenger service.

• Construction begins in May 2025, with commercial flights expected in late 2026.

The road ahead is filled with both excitement and debate. McKinney National Airport’s expansion promises to reshape North Texas air travel—but will the city embrace it? Time will tell whether this project truly takes off or faces further turbulence.

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