Hard hats on and blueprints in hand, McKinney city leaders stepped into what will soon become North Texas’ newest gateway to the skies. On Feb.26, city officials and members of the media got their first walk-through of the new commercial passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport (TKI).
While currently a skeletal framework of steel and plumbing, the terminal is rising rapidly, promising an experience that could redefine air travel for North Texans.
What To Expect From TKI
The 46,000-square-foot facility is unique because it is built to handle massive demand despite its intimate footprint. Travelers can expect all the staples — ticketing, TSA security, restrooms, concessions and even a service animal relief area — but without the miles of walking required by larger hubs. In fact, Avelo Airlines Communications Manager Courtney Goff joked that travelers will practically be able to see their cars from the check-in counter.
During the tour, Mitchell McAnally, regional aviation leader for Garver, explained to Local Profile that the design team looked to boutique travel hubs like Vail, Colorado, and Santa Barbara, California, for inspiration. The goal was to capture that small-town convenience while preparing for big-city volume.
Room To Grow
While the terminal will debut with four active gates later this year, construction is already underway on six. The airport’s layout was intentionally designed with open space to allow for easy expansion should the terminal take off as expected…