Southwest Airlines Axed Dallas’ 3rd Airport Because “It Didn’t Really Work,” CEO Admits

Published Oct 31, 2026, 3:54 PM EDT Journalist – Aaron is an aviation and travel journalist with 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. His background spans airport operations, aviation infrastructure, and travel consulting, having worked with global organizations across New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Combining industry expertise with firsthand travel experience across more than 52 countries and five continents, Aaron covers airlines, airports, aviation policy, and the wider travel sector. He is based in Canterbury, New Zealand. His work has been published in Simple Flying and featured by MSN, SAM CHUI Aviation & Travel, EIN News, Pakistan Defence, and Climate Depot. Dallas' third airport is set to open to commercial passengers from mid-November; however, one of the world's largest airlines will not be operating to the airport. McKinney National Airport (DTX) is set to become the city's third major airport, but Southwest Airlines is not interested, with the carrier's Chief Executive Officer Bob Jordan suggesting the numbers don't stack up to WFAA. Southwest maintains an extensive network from Dallas Love Field (DAL), and has no operations at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The new airport at McKinney on the north side of Dallas, for the foreseeable future, will have no Southwest services, leaving Avelo to become the airport's only operator. Southwest Airlines Considered Operating To McKinney, But It Doesn't Work Credit: Claud_Be | Shutterstock McKinney has hoped to lure in the all-Boeing 737 operator to the airport; however, Southwest has noted that while the airport is the newest commercial air hub in the country, it was not the 'right fit' for the airline. Jordan emphasized that the airport did not fit into the airline's operational plan for a number of reasons. Jordan remains unfazed by the opening of McKinney, suggesting that he was not worried about the additional competition for those looking to fly from the new Texas airport. From Love Field, Southwest operates to 80 domestic destinations, with 64 year-round services, and an additional 16 that are added seasonally. The airline has no international flights from the airport. Avelo will begin operating at McKinney from November 11, with its first service headed to Fort Myers (RSW). This will mark the airline's first of 11 routes to be served from the new airport. Full details of the airline's new network below: State Destination Colorado Denver Florida Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, West Palm Beach Georgia Atlanta Louisiana New Orleans Nevada Las Vegas Tennessee Nashville McKinney National Airport: Dallas' Newest Gateway Credit: McKinney National Airport McKinney National is an airport that was originally established for general aviation, including private planes, corporate fleets, and ongoing flight training. The airport has a single runway (18/36) that spans 7,002 feet (2,134 meters). The airport has undergone an extensive transformation and developed a new passenger terminal in a bid to lure in commercial air services. The airport will act as an alternative gateway for travelers in Dallas' northern suburbs, and Avelo will become the first commercial operator to the airport with routes to key leisure markets. McKinney is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Downtown Dallas, and in 2025, the city's officials approved a $72 million commercial passenger terminal, which has been built on the east side of the airport. The terminal has four gates and recently became the state's newest commercial airport in more than 20 years. Why Would Southwest Not Be Interested In Flying To McKinney National? Credit: mirigifford | Shutterstock Simple Flying reached out to Southwest for comment on why McKinney wouldn't work; however, an airline spokesperson could not immediately be reached. While Jordan simply said that the airport 'just didn't work for our operation for several reasons', there are likely a number of factors that would have influenced this decision. Southwest currently serves more than six million annual passengers and 200 daily flights from Love Field, and the demand there already outpaces the current footprint at the airport. Southwest has also been shifting its focus away from the standard point-to-point network, instead developing high-density hub and connecting flight operations. Instead of spreading its reach to alternative Dallas airports (such as its absence at Dallas/Fort Worth), the airline is focusing its regional attention at Love Field.