McKinney National Airport Breaks Ground on $79 M Terminal, Paving Way for Commercial Flights by 2026

McKinney National Airport has embarked on a transformative $79 million expansion, marking a significant shift from a general aviation facility to a commercial passenger hub.

On July 18, city leaders and project representatives gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking, celebrating the commencement of construction on a 46,000-square-foot terminal designed to accommodate commercial airline operations by late 2026.

The forthcoming terminal will feature four passenger gates, with the capacity to expand to six as demand increases.

Travelers can anticipate spacious waiting areas, diverse food and beverage options, on-site rental car services, and a dedicated ramp capable of accommodating aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.

Additionally, the facility will include a 980-space parking lot, which can be expanded to 1,450 spaces in the future, and a deicing area for winter operations.

Airport officials project that the terminal will serve approximately 200,000 passengers annually upon opening, with the potential to accommodate over one million travelers as operations scale up.

Funding for this ambitious project is sourced from a combination of sales-tax revenue bonds, tax increment reinvestment funds, federal and state grants, low-interest infrastructure loans, and airport-generated revenue from parking, concessions, and facility use.

This strategic financial plan follows the rejection of a $200 million bond proposition by voters in 2023, demonstrating the city's commitment to advancing the project through alternative means.

Proponents of the expansion emphasize the substantial economic benefits anticipated, including job creation, increased sales-tax revenue, and providing a convenient alternative to Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field for Collin County residents.

Construction is set to intensify this fall, with Swinerton Builders overseeing the development process.

As the project progresses, McKinney is poised to join the ranks of North Texas cities with their own commercial airports, setting the stage for enhanced local air service and long-term regional growth.