(MCKINNEY, TEXAS) McKinney National Airport has opened a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility, clearing the way for direct international flights to arrive and clear inspection on the airfield for the first time. Airport leaders say the move, part of a broad build-out to introduce commercial service in North Texas, shifts McKinney from a long-time general aviation field into a future international gateway that can handle corporate jets and, soon, airlines.
Officials confirmed the customs building is now operational for international general aviation traffic, allowing overseas aircraft to land and taxi straight to inspection without stopping elsewhere for clearance. That change removes a common hurdle for business travelers who previously had to route through other airports before continuing to McKinney.
The facility is central to the airport’s plan to become the region’s third commercial airport, alongside Dallas/Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field.
Facility details and immediate benefits
- The standalone customs building measures roughly 3,200 square feet, with secure processing areas designed for speed and safety.
- It’s built to handle large business jets—specifically aircraft in the class of the Bombardier Global 7500—so companies with long-range fleets can fly directly into Collin County from abroad.
- The site sits on the airfield so pilots can taxi in without delay, and crews can complete post-flight duties near the inspection area to cut down on turnaround time.
These changes mean fewer diversions, shorter total trip times, and a smoother entry into the United States for business travelers and corporate operators.
Construction timeline and phased activation
Construction began in July 2025 as part of a multi-phase expansion. While the facility’s completion is scheduled for 2025, airport officials say it is open and processing arrivals now. This mid-project activation helps test procedures and staffing ahead of expected growth.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, mid-project activations like this are common when airports phase in key functions to support early traffic while larger works continue.
Facility capabilities and associated projects
The customs upgrade dovetails with several major projects under way across McKinney National Airport:
- A 40,000-square-foot corporate hangar to house larger aircraft and serve growing corporate demand.
- A new commercial passenger terminal now under construction, with commercial airline service planned to start by late 2026.
- Airfield and support improvements sized for a steady increase in international and domestic operations.
The customs opening matters for day-one readiness when carriers launch service. Even if early routes are domestic, international connectivity often follows quickly in a metro area with strong corporate links. The airport’s ability to process international flights for general aviation today builds the playbook for carrier operations tomorrow.
CBP procedures and arrival guidance
CBP procedures at the site mirror national standards for private flyers and corporate operators, including:
- Document checks
- Biometric screening where applicable
- Agriculture inspections
- Customs declarations
For official rules on private aircraft arrivals, CBP guidance for private flyers explains entry steps, advance passenger information, and inspection protocols; see the agency’s page for private aircraft arrivals here.
The airport has stressed that coordination with CBP is ongoing to ensure staffing aligns with demand and that flight crews receive clear instructions for arrival scheduling.
Economic stakes, financing, and community discussion
The customs facility is part of a $79 million airport expansion funded by city and state sources, including sales tax revenue bonds and transportation grants. City leaders expect the upgrade to attract more corporate traffic, support new jobs, and strengthen the business climate as companies look for faster international access to North Texas.
As the terminal grows after launch, planners say the airport could support over one million passengers annually in the future.
That growth path has not been without debate:
- Supporters argue the long-term benefits—new routes, corporate investment, and local spending—justify using alternative financing after bond measures failed.
- Skeptics question costs and want firm guardrails on noise, traffic, and environmental impacts.
City officials moved forward using alternative financing allowed under law and point to rising demand across Collin County and a need to ease pressure at existing airports.
Operational impacts for operators and residents
For business travelers and flight operators:
- A flight from Europe, the Middle East, or Latin America can now land at McKinney National Airport, taxi to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility, and complete entry on site.
- Cargo carried aboard business jets—tools, samples, or time-sensitive parts—can clear faster, which matters for manufacturers and tech firms facing tight deadlines.
- Pilots save significant time and reduce weather/diversion risk by avoiding stops at other airports for customs clearance.
- Crews can coordinate directly with the McKinney operations team for arrival windows, expected inspection times, and ground handling, lowering crew duty time and trip cost.
For families and residents:
- The customs milestone signals progress toward commercial service. While airlines will announce routes later, the terminal work and CBP operations suggest the airport is building toward a schedule that includes domestic flights first and international connections as demand builds.
- Airport leaders say the plan is to complement, not replace larger hubs—potentially offering point-to-point service tailored to regional growth corridors with customs supporting seasonal or charter flights abroad.
Public-private partnership and project delivery
The customs building reflects a public-private partnership (P3) between:
- City of McKinney
- Swinerton (general contractor)
- Griffin Swinerton (developer)
- JRMA (architect/engineer)
P3 structures can speed delivery by aligning design, construction, and financing responsibilities, and by giving the project team a single set of goals. Airport officials say this approach helped keep the facility closely tied to airfield needs, from jet parking positions to secure passenger flow.
Community considerations and next steps
Noise and safety remain key topics for neighbors as the airport expands. Airport officials say the new facility complies with security standards and sits within existing airfield safety zones.
As commercial flights begin in late 2026, the airport is expected to share details on:
- Flight paths
- Operational hours
- Community engagement efforts
- Real-time notices to pilots
Those updates will help set expectations as traffic grows.
The move places McKinney National Airport in a stronger position within North Texas aviation. By handling international flights now and building toward airline service, the airport creates another option for travelers and companies alike. The customs facility also serves as a visible marker of progress: a compact, 3,200-square-foot building that connects Collin County directly to the world.
For operational updates, tenant notices, and construction progress, visit the airport’s official site at FlyTKI.com.
This Article in a Nutshell
McKinney National Airport has activated a 3,200-square-foot U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility on its airfield, enabling international general aviation flights to land and clear inspection on-site. Built to accommodate large business jets like the Bombardier Global 7500, the facility reduces diversions and accelerates processing for corporate travelers. Construction began in July 2025 and the customs building is operational while a $79 million P3 expansion continues, including a 40,000-square-foot corporate hangar and a new commercial terminal slated for commercial service by late 2026. Officials expect economic benefits and increased corporate traffic, while community concerns persist over financing, noise, and environmental impacts. Coordination with CBP for staffing and arrival procedures will continue as flight operations scale.
