McKinney is one step closer to welcoming commercial air travel, thanks to a major investment from the State of Texas.
On June 21, Governor Greg Abbott signed the two-year state budget, which includes $14.8 million for eastside airfield projects at McKinney National Airport (TKI). The funding, delivered through a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) grant, will help support the construction of infrastructure needed for commercial passenger service.
A New Gateway for North Texas
The city of McKinney plans to break ground this summer on a new passenger terminal on the airport’s east side, part of a long-anticipated expansion prompted by growing interest from commercial airlines dating back to 2019.
“Commercial airline service at McKinney National Airport is soon becoming a reality,” said McKinney Mayor Bill Cox in an official statement. “This $14.8 million grant brings us closer to completing the funding for our new passenger terminal and support facilities, which will be a modern gateway for local and visiting travelers.”
City officials anticipate beginning construction on the terminal in July 2025, with the first commercial flights expected to take off by late 2026.
State Support Fuels Local Growth
Mayor Cox credited Senator Angela Paxton and Representative Jeff Leach with helping to secure the crucial funding during this year’s legislative session.
“Senator Angela Paxton and Representative Jeff Leach and their staff were instrumental in getting funding for McKinney National Airport included in the state budget,” Cox said. “We are deeply appreciative of their efforts to champion funding to bring convenient and affordable air travel to the North Texas region.”
Senator Paxton called the grant a “legacy-driven investment” that will serve McKinney and the broader region for generations. “I’m truly blessed to represent the people of McKinney and thankful I could help secure this funding,” she said.
Representative Leach echoed the sentiment, calling the airport project a cornerstone for economic development. “We delivered real results for the city of McKinney this session,” Leach said. “The $14.8 million investment will support economic growth, attract new businesses and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
More Than Just a Terminal
The funding also builds on a previous $7 million TxDOT grant accepted by McKinney City Council on June 17. That grant, along with a $1.5 million contribution from the city and nearly $450,000 for design costs, fully funds the $8.95 million Phase II of the Taxiway A Rehabilitation and Construction project. The improvements are designed to boost safety and operational efficiency at the airport, which is already among the fastest-growing in the region.
McKinney National Airport is one of six airports across Texas receiving part of a $106.8 million allocation in the new state budget. The funds can be used for airfield infrastructure and passenger facilities aimed at improving safety, security and overall service.
A High-Flying Economic Engine
McKinney National Airport is already a major economic driver, contributing more than $299 million annually to the local economy, according to a 2024 report. With commercial service on the horizon, that number is projected to rise to $400 million, thanks to new jobs, increased tourism and expanded business opportunities.
For McKinney, the runway to the future is officially cleared for takeoff.
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