McKinney City Council backs $61M McKinney National Airport expansion

Key Takeaways

• McKinney City Council approved $61.36 million for airport expansion, including a 45,000-square-foot terminal and three boarding gates.
• No local property tax increase; funding comes from city corporations, special funds, and over $88 million from federal, state, county sources.
• Expansion may create 1,800 jobs, boost local economy by $1 billion, and serve up to 1 million passengers annually within five years.

The McKinney City Council has set a new course for growth by approving over $58 million for the expansion of McKinney National Airport. This move follows years of debate, community involvement, and changing plans, but it now marks a major step for the city and its future role as a travel hub. For the broader Dallas-Fort Worth area and McKinney residents, these decisions carry both hope and concern.

What Has The McKinney City Council Approved?

On May 6, 2025, the McKinney City Council agreed to spend about $61.36 million for a new phase in the development of McKinney National Airport. The main feature of this project is a new 45,000-square-foot passenger terminal on the airport’s east side. This new terminal will be able to handle both commercial and general aviation flights. In the beginning, it will include three boarding gates, but it has been designed to allow for two more gates if demand grows in the future. Along with the terminal, the project will improve parking, aircraft handling, and other services to make travel easier for everyone.

This approval came after local voters had twice said “no” to much bigger expansion ideas, including a $200 million bond in 2023. City leaders have now chosen a smaller but still impactful plan, making sure that the airport can grow now while possibly adding more in the future.

How Is The Airport Expansion Funded?

The question of “who pays for it?” was front and center for many McKinney residents. Critics worried that local taxpayers might bear the burden for a project they had rejected in past votes. McKinney Mayor George Fuller addressed these worries, making it clear that local property taxes would not go up for this project. Instead, the city pulled together money from several sources:
– $30 million from the McKinney Community Development Corporation’s bonds
– $15 million from the McKinney Economic Development Corporation’s bonds
– $5 million from the city’s Utility Construction Fund
– $8 million from the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #2 fund

Along with these sources, McKinney has also received more than $88 million from federal, state, and county governments that will help move this project forward. Mayor Fuller stressed that with this mix of funding, “it is not on the backs of McKinney taxpayers.” According to VisaVerge.com, this style of financing has become more common as cities aim to grow without putting extra pressure on homeowners.

For those who want to learn more about how airports are funded and regulated, further details can be found at the official Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program.

What Will The Expansion Add to McKinney National Airport?

The McKinney National Airport expansion is built to serve both today’s needs and tomorrow’s dreams. Here’s what travelers, businesses, and the city can expect:
– New Passenger Terminal: The future building will have 45,000 square feet of space for ticketing, baggage, security, and waiting.
– Three Initial Boarding Gates: These gates will make it easy for travelers to enter and exit planes, with space for up to five gates if flights increase.
– Aircraft Parking: Six parking spots will be set aside for both commercial flights and private or business planes.
– Parking for Passengers: A 1,500-space lot will give travelers plenty of room, making drop-offs and pick-ups smoother.
– Aircraft De-Icing and Fuel Storage: The airport will build special areas for aircraft de-icing (to prevent freezing in cold weather) and above-ground fuel tanks for safer fueling.
– Better Infrastructure: This includes new roads, utilities, and services around the airport, all aimed at smoother travel.
– Travel Perks: The airport will feature quick-service concessions with food and drinks, comfortable waiting areas (called “hold rooms”), space for rental cars, a spot for ride-share drivers to drop off passengers, and places to charge electric cars.

With these upgrades, McKinney National Airport is set to offer a modern and friendly experience not only for local travelers but also for those coming from the surrounding region.

When Will Construction Begin and What Can the Community Expect?

The building process for these big changes is scheduled to start in May 2025. If all goes as planned, passengers should be able to board flights at the new terminal by late 2026.

The airport’s management is currently in talks with two airlines to bring them in as the first partners for passenger service. Based on early plans, the airport could see 200,000 passengers during its first year, with about three flights departing each day.

But the potential does not stop there. According to city leaders, in just five years, the number of passengers may reach as high as 1 million a year. The hope is that as more people use the airport, airlines will add even more flights to meet the demand.

Potential Economic Benefits for McKinney and Surrounding Areas

The McKinney City Council sees this airport expansion as a path to strong local economic growth. Here’s how officials think it might help:
– Job Creation: The city expects the project will help create over 1,800 jobs in the area, from airport workers to service providers, construction, hospitality, and more.
– Business Attraction: Easier and more direct travel could bring new businesses and investors to McKinney, lifting the local economy.
– Tourism and Convenience: The upgraded airport will give travelers another way to reach North Texas, making it simpler for family, friends, and business travelers to visit.

Over the next five years, city reports predict that the airport could add nearly $1 billion to the annual economy of McKinney and nearby communities. This impact includes new spending from travelers in hotels, restaurants, and stores, as well as steady income from airport operations.

The Council’s Decision—And Not Everyone Is Happy

While city officials and many business leaders support the move, not all residents are convinced this is the best choice. The McKinney City Council passed the main budget change by a 5-2 vote, showing that even among the council, opinions differ. The building contract with Swinerton Builders and the architectural work with Garver were both approved with 4-2 votes.

These close votes reflect the fact that, in both 2015 and 2023, McKinney voters rejected larger expansion plans in city bond elections. Opponents of the project see the council moving ahead now as a way of sidestepping the will of the people. They argue that if voters said “no” to the bigger plan, this smaller plan should have returned to the voters for approval as well.

However, supporters—including Mayor George Fuller—say this approach balances the need for growth with careful spending, since no funds will be drawn directly from local property taxes. They emphasize the city’s ability to bring in outside money from partnerships with federal, state, and county sources instead.

What Will McKinney National Airport Mean for Regional Travel?

When the work is finished, McKinney National Airport will become the third commercial airport in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, joining Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. For many, this is a source of pride, signaling that McKinney is ready for bigger things and greater connections—both nationally and globally.

The airport’s location—about 35 miles from the two larger Dallas airports—means it could attract travelers from North Texas suburbs and communities to the north and east, offering them a closer alternative for both business and leisure trips. It could also lessen some of the pressure on the larger, usually busier airports in Dallas.

For international travelers, immigration officials, and airport staff, having another entry point to this fast-growing region could ease long lines, make flights more predictable, and allow for local connections that were not possible in the past. The growth of McKinney National Airport will likely change travel patterns for people in Collin County and beyond.

What Are The Next Steps and What Should Residents Watch For?

The McKinney City Council’s recent approval means the city can now sign major construction and design contracts, with Swinerton Builders and Garver, and begin preparing the site. Over the next few months, residents can expect to see early site work, hiring for jobs related to both construction and eventual airport operations, and more announcements about agreements with airlines.

For now, the project will keep shaping McKinney’s future, even as city officials remain under watch from residents concerned about spending, growth, and the city’s character.

How Could This Affect Immigrants, Employers, and Local Businesses?

• For Immigrants and International Travelers: A third regional airport could make it easier for new arrivals to reach North Texas, reunite with family, or access new job opportunities, as airlines might add flights to new destinations.
• For Local Employers: The expected rise in passengers and air cargo could prompt new business investments, draw in bigger employers, and increase hiring.
• For Small Businesses and Startups: Restaurants, shops, rental car agencies, and many more may benefit from extra foot traffic and easier access to new customers.
• For the Region as a Whole: Fast, convenient travel puts McKinney on the map for everything from global trade to local community events.

Remaining Questions and Potential Challenges

Despite the promise of growth, a few critical questions remain:
– Will the city’s gamble on growth pay off, or will costs outpace the benefits?
– Could increased noise, pollution, or traffic worry local residents?
– What happens if passenger numbers fall short of predictions?
– Will airlines commit to regular service, or will travelers still have to drive to Dallas for most flights?

City leaders must keep listening to the people of McKinney—even those still unsure about the project. Open feedback, public meetings, and clear reporting on progress will be key to building trust and making sure the airport’s benefits stretch to all corners of the community.

Final Thoughts

The decision by the McKinney City Council to approve $58 million for expanding McKinney National Airport is more than a simple building project. It’s about shaping what McKinney’s future will look like and what role the city will play in the ever-changing landscape of North Texas. There are risks, but also big hopes for jobs, business, and easier travel.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these moves place McKinney among a growing list of cities betting on airport growth to boost their economies and prepare for new challenges in travel and trade. With construction set to begin soon and flights to follow, the effects of this decision will be watched both locally and beyond, and it will be important for all sides to stay engaged in the process.

Learn Today

McKinney City Council → The elected governing body responsible for making major decisions, including funding infrastructure projects like the airport expansion in McKinney.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone → A special district where tax increases fund development and infrastructure projects, used here to support airport expansion costs.
Passenger Terminal → The main building at an airport where travelers check in, wait, board flights, and use various services before departure or after arrival.
Bond Election → A public vote that allows a city to borrow money for large projects, paid back over time, often through special revenue streams.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating all aspects of civil aviation, including airport safety and improvement programs.

This Article in a Nutshell

The McKinney City Council has approved over $61 million for a new passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport, boosting regional travel. Funded by local bonds and federal contributions, the expansion aims for job creation, economic growth, and enhanced travel, making McKinney a future major travel hub in North Texas.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Operation Sindoor: Delhi airport flights cancelled after airspace warnings
• Newark Liberty International Airport controllers lose contact with planes
• US Slashes Newark Liberty International Airport Flights Now
• TSA to Require Real ID at Logan Airport for All Domestic Flights in 2025
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to get $1.1 billion new terminal