MCKINNEY, Texas — McKinney is one step closer to transforming its airport from a general aviation airport into a possible commercial hub.
Tuesday night, the city council will vote on rezoning 280 acres southeast of McKinney National Airport, a key move in expanding the airport’s operations.
"The east side of the airport is the future growth for the airport," said Assistant City Manager Barry Shelton. "Whether that's for commercial service or for general aviation expansion we are going to be growing to the east."
The land, purchased in 2018 by the city, is set to become an essential part of the airport’s future growth, which could include a new 30,000-square-foot passenger terminal.
Improvements to the facilities include parking, fueling operations, de-icing pads, and large fuel tanks. The expansion is expected to attract commercial service, potentially paving the way for passenger airlines, alongside continued growth in general aviation.
As of now, McKinney National handles general aviation, which includes many private planes and corporate jets.
Shelton said the area to the east of the airport will play a critical role in this expansion, helping to position McKinney National as a key economic driver in the region. Numbers from a recent economic impact study reveal the airport has an impact of $299 million annually. That is an increase from $217 million just five years ago.
"We've looked at this airport as an economic driver for the region, both jobs and economic impact. We intend for the airport to remain a center point of our economic development," Shelton said.
Ongoing construction is focused on improving the taxiway, with runway extensions coming soon. These developments are just the beginning, as the city says it is in talks with commercial airlines nationally.