McKinney Breaks Ground on New Passenger Terminal at Airport
McKinney broke ground on a passenger terminal at its airport Friday, with city leaders and partners celebrating the start of construction in the next step to bringing commercial air service to Collin County.
The terminal marks a “new era in North Texas aviation history,” according to a statement from the city. Officials hope commercial service in McKinney will support the growing population north of Dallas and investment in Collin County.
Growth and Development in Collin County
Three of the country’s fastest-growing cities are in the county, which gained about 76,000 new residents last year, according to the North Central Texas Council of Governments. The Texas Association of Business projects that by 2050, Collin County will outpace the 2024 real gross domestic product of several U.S. states, according to a recent study.
“With the growth that we have experienced … our forecasts show passenger service is needed. It’s wanted,” said McKinney Mayor Bill Cox. “We have citizens that don’t live here yet that will benefit from this. We have companies that aren’t located here yet that will benefit from this airport.”
The Airport Terminal Project
The airport terminal is designed to initially serve 200,000 passengers annually; if expanded, it could support more than one million travelers a year, according to a city statement.
The $79 million project includes a 46,000-square-foot terminal with four gates and the possibility of expanding to six. The project includes food and drink concessions in the terminal, a ramp for planes, a new taxiway, a parking lot, car rental facilities and other infrastructure.
The city plans for the terminal to be completed by late next year.
Economic Impact and Benefits
McKinney leaders see the airport as an economic engine for the city. The airport has an annual economic impact of $299 million on the city and surrounding region, according to an economic impact study the city commissioned. City documents show in the last decade, the airport has generated $24.6 million in tax revenue for public services like the school district and the city.
The McKinney National Airport, referred to by airport code TKI, has served as a general aviation airport for more than 40 years for private and corporate planes, flight training and other uses.
Now the city hopes to turn it into a convenient choice for air travelers, a shorter drive for Collin County residents than to Dallas Love Field or DFW International Airport.
Commercial Air Service and Partnerships
The city is negotiating to bring low-cost carriers to the terminal, and has received interest from Avelo Airlines.
In a statement, Sen. Ted Cruz congratulated McKinney.
“This project marks a major milestone, and it will bring jobs and help economic growth in North Texas,” Cruz wrote.
Concerns and Controversies
Some residents and neighbors are concerned the airport is expanding despite environmental concerns and without support from voters.
In 2023, McKinney residents rejected a $200 million bond to fund improvements and projects at the airport that included a commercial air service terminal building. In 2015, voters decided against a $50 million measure.
Expansion went forward with funding from other sources. In addition to millions from the state transportation department, McKinney’s airport has received $52.4 million from sales tax revenue bonds, $8 million from tax revenue generated in an area that includes the airport and $8.6 million from other city funds, according to an email from the city’s press office.
Current and former elected officials, economic development representatives, city staff and business partners celebrated the groundbreaking Friday. McKinney City Council member Patrick Cloutier, who has expressed concern over airport funding in the past, attended the ceremony.
Airport director Ken Carley speaks during the groundbreaking event of the McKinney National Airport passenger terminal on Friday, July 18, 2025 in McKinney. (Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Neighbors’ Concerns and the Future of the Airport
Neighbors in the town of Fairview are concerned about noise, traffic and environmental damage from the project. Earlier this year, a conservation group asked a federal court to review the state’s finding that further airport development won’t significantly harm the environment, continuing decades of environmental concerns from residents and neighbors.
“Growth can be hard,” Cloutier said. “But the reality is, that this change is coming.”
“I had to compartmentalize my opposition,” Cloutier said Friday. “What is important now is that this gets done right, because we’ve signed contracts. … I 100% believe this is going to be a successful project.”
Conclusion
The construction of the new passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to bring commercial air service to Collin County. While there are concerns about the environmental impact and funding of the project, city leaders and partners are optimistic about the economic benefits and growth opportunities that the airport will bring to the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the new passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport?
A: The new passenger terminal is designed to serve commercial air travelers and provide a convenient alternative to Dallas Love Field or DFW International Airport for Collin County residents.
Q: How much will the terminal cost and how will it be funded?
A: The terminal will cost $79 million and will be funded through a combination of sources, including sales tax revenue bonds, tax revenue generated in an area that includes the airport, and other city funds.
Q: What are the concerns about the airport expansion?
A: Some residents and neighbors are concerned about noise, traffic, and environmental damage from the project, as well as the lack of support from voters for the airport expansion.
Q: What is the expected completion date of the terminal?
A: The city plans for the terminal to be completed by late next year.
Q: How will the airport expansion affect the local economy?
A: The airport expansion is expected to bring jobs and economic growth to the region, with an annual economic impact of $299 million on the city and surrounding region.
