Avelo Airlines is deepening its footprint in North Texas with two additional Florida routes from Dallas Love Field's smaller neighbor, McKinney National Airport (TKI). Starting December 16, the carrier will operate nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), followed by West Palm Beach (PBI) on December 17. These additions bring Avelo's total destination count from McKinney to 11, underscoring the airline's strategy of serving underserved airports with point-to-point leisure routes.
The expansion comes as Avelo prepares for its inaugural flights from McKinney on November 11, with initial service to Las Vegas (LAS) and four Florida cities: Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando (MCO), and Tampa (TPA). Mid-December will see further growth with new routes to Denver (DEN), Atlanta (ATL), New Orleans (MSY), and Nashville (BNA).
Holiday capacity boost
To meet peak-season demand, Avelo will increase its Las Vegas service from McKinney to six weekly flights, adding two extra frequencies on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This supplements the existing schedule on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, providing more flexibility for travelers heading to the entertainment capital.
Introductory one-way fares start at $69, with bookings available through Avelo's website. The low-cost carrier continues to target price-sensitive leisure travelers who prefer smaller, less congested airports.
Andrew Levy, CEO of Avelo Airlines, expressed enthusiasm for the network expansion. "North Texas continues to show up for Avelo. With two new Florida destinations in West Palm Beach and Sarasota-Bradenton, we'll now serve 11 nonstop routes from DTX," he said in a statement. Levy's reference to DTX reflects the airport's new code, which was assigned to McKinney National earlier this year.
Avelo's investment in McKinney includes establishing a crew base with three Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, creating approximately 150 local jobs. Since its launch in April 2021, the airline has carried over 10.5 million customers, focusing on routes that connect secondary airports to popular leisure destinations.
The new Florida routes are part of a broader trend of U.S. low-cost carriers expanding their networks to capture demand in under-served regions. For travel professionals, this expansion offers additional options for clients seeking convenient access to Florida's Gulf Coast and Atlantic coast, particularly during the winter travel season.
With the addition of Sarasota and West Palm Beach, Avelo now serves a diverse mix of destinations from McKinney, including leisure hotspots and business hubs. The airline's strategy aligns with the growing preference among travelers for smaller airports that offer quicker security lines and easier parking.
As the holiday season approaches, Avelo's increased frequencies and new routes are likely to appeal to both leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travelers. The carrier's competitive pricing and focus on customer experience could pressure larger airlines to adjust their own schedules from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
For more on how airlines are adapting their networks, see our coverage of Lufthansa's Japan expansion and Vietnam Airlines' new India route.
