Airport Overview
McKinney National Airport (KTKI), formerly Collin County Regional Airport, is a city-owned general aviation field serving the fast-growing northern Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Sitting about 3 miles from downtown McKinney and roughly 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, it offers a low-congestion, full-service alternative to the busier metro airports for business and private travelers heading to Collin County.
Runway Capability
The single concrete runway, 18/36, spans 7,002 feet by 150 feet with a robust weight-bearing rating. This supports light jets, midsize and super-midsize aircraft, and most heavy jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and Global 7500 under standard conditions. The 585-foot field elevation keeps density-altitude effects manageable year-round.
FBO and Ground Services
McKinney Air Center, the city-operated FBO, provides Jet-A and 100LL fuel, professional ground handling, hangar and ramp storage, planeside car service, executive meeting rooms, and catering and concierge support. The facility has earned repeated Pilots' Choice recognition and supports more than 200 based aircraft, including a sizable business-jet fleet.
Customs and International Operations
Unlike many reliever airports, McKinney National offers on-field U.S. Customs and Border Protection service for international arrivals, allowing eligible flights to clear directly at the airport. CBP staffing is daytime and by arrangement, so international operators should coordinate clearance and eAPIS filing well in advance. The Jet Finder can assist with customs coordination and documentation.
Safety and Planning
A contract FAA control tower on 118.9 manages traffic from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; outside those hours operations are non-towered on CTAF. ILS Category I, RNAV (GPS), and VOR approaches provide dependable instrument access. Part 135 charter flights operate IFR for ATC separation and structured routing even in clear weather.
Seasonal and Operational Factors
North Texas weather is dominated by warm, humid conditions and convective activity. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often peaking between early afternoon and early evening; morning departures generally offer the smoothest, clearest conditions. Winter ice events are infrequent but can prompt occasional de-icing delays.
Regional Context
For travelers to the northern metroplex, McKinney National is one of several private-aviation options alongside Addison (KADS), about 18 nautical miles southwest, and the major commercial hubs at Dallas Love Field (KDAL) and DFW International. McKinney's combination of a 7,002-foot runway, on-field customs, and proximity to Collin County's corporate corridor makes it a strong choice. A four-gate commercial terminal is under construction with scheduled airline service anticipated in late 2026.