Frontier Airlines will cease operations on three routes from Paine Field Airport (PAE) in Everett, Washington, just seven months after launching the service. The flights to Denver International Airport (DEN), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas will end in the coming days. Passengers affected by the cancellations can request refunds from the airline.
In a statement to local news outlet HeraldNet, Frontier spokesperson Jennifer De La Cruz indicated that the decision was driven by insufficient passenger demand. “It is fair to say the passenger demand wasn’t sufficient to maintain the service,” she explained. De La Cruz emphasized that Frontier values its partnership with Paine Field and may consider a return to the airport in the future.
Despite this reduction in its domestic operations, Frontier Airlines plans to expand its network significantly in 2026. The airline will introduce 23 new travel routes, focusing on both domestic and international destinations. This expansion is part of its rebranding initiative, dubbed ‘The New Frontier’, aimed at enhancing customer experience and trust.
Josh Flyr, Vice President of Network and Operations Design at Frontier Airlines, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming changes. “As we look ahead to 2026, there’s a lot to be excited about – from our expanding network to the introduction of our new First Class seats and more,” he stated. The new routes are set to provide travelers with affordable options, particularly for spring break travel.
A significant highlight of the new route offerings includes service to Cancun via Cancun International Airport, with connecting flights from major hubs such as Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, Chicago Midway International Airport in Illinois, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina.
Other new routes will connect to various major airports across the United States, including locations in Tennessee, Florida, Nevada, Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, Virginia, Arizona, Utah, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Service for these new routes is scheduled to commence in early March 2026, coinciding with the peak travel season.
In addition to the route expansions, Frontier Airlines will introduce new seating options, including UpFront Plus seats, located in the first two rows of each aircraft. These seats will feature extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat. The airline will also debut its own First Class seating configuration in early 2026, promising affordable pricing, although specific cost details remain undisclosed at this time.
The changes at Frontier Airlines reflect an ongoing effort to adapt and enhance its service offerings, even as it scales back in certain markets. With a focus on customer satisfaction and expanding its route network, the airline aims to remain competitive in the ever-evolving travel industry.
