McKinney Airport passenger terminal construction begins

McKinney Airport passenger terminal construction begins

A commercial airline passenger terminal at the McKinney National Airport is now closer to reality.

McKINNEY, Texas - A commercial airline passenger terminal at the McKinney National Airport is now closer to reality. 

The airport broke ground on Friday on the project which has been in the works for many years.

McKinney Airport Expansion

What we know:

The new passenger terminal will be built just east of the airport’s existing facilities.

The plans call for a 45,000-square-foot terminal with four initial gates, parking areas, a taxiway, and other runway equipment.

The $72 million project is being funded through sales tax revenue, federal loans, and grants. The airport received a $14.8 million Texas Department of Transportation grant for the eastside airfield projects.

What they're saying:

McKinney city leaders believe the airport will make air travel more convenient and more affordable as Collin County continues to grow.

"This new terminal is not just an investment in McKinney, it’s a bold investment in North Texas. Our city has grown significantly over the past two decades and that growth demands smart and strategic investments," said McKinney Mayor Bill Cox.

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"And it won't just be about travel. It'll be about moments that matter – reunions, first adventures, goodbyes, and new beginnings," added former McKinney Mayor George Fuller.

Terminal construction begins for McKinney Airport

Construction begins today on a passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport. The airport could begin offering commercial services as early as next year.

The other side:

Not everyone’s excited about the plans for what’s soon to be North Texas’ third commercial airport.

The original plan for a $300 million commercial terminal paid for with $200 million in property tax bonds was rejected by voters back in 2023.

John Hubbard, the mayor of the nearby town of Fairview, said a lot of his residents are concerned about noise, pollution, traffic, and a potential decrease in property values.

"Of course we're going to be impacted. Our Fairview residents and some McKinney residents – the noise pollution, the traffic, the possible health hazards created by the airport," he said.

Mayor Hubbard said about 2,000 of Fairview's 11,000 residents live in a large retirement community that is in the proposed flight path. He believes the air traffic will disrupt their quality of life.

"Think about sitting out on your patio at night. You and your wife want to have a nice conversation and a 737 flays right over your head," said Jack Desimone, who lives in the Heritage Ranch Golfing Community. "Out here, there was no concern for us. They just want to slam this airport in."

What's next:

The project should be completed by the end of next year. That’s when officials believe the first passenger flight from McKinney National Airport will take off.