Frontier Airlines is set to discontinue its service from Paine Field Airport (PAE) in Everett, Washington, just seven months after launching operations there. The airline will end flights to three destinations: Denver International Airport (DEN), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. The last flights are scheduled to operate in the coming days, and affected passengers are eligible for refunds.
According to a statement from Frontier’s spokesperson, Jennifer De La Cruz, the decision came as a result of insufficient passenger demand. “It is fair to say the passenger demand wasn’t sufficient to maintain the service,” she told local news outlet, HeraldNet. De La Cruz expressed gratitude for the airline’s partnership with Paine Field and noted that they would evaluate potential future service.
Frontier Airlines is undergoing a rebranding initiative dubbed “The New Frontier,” which includes plans to expand its international routes significantly. Despite the local service reduction, the airline is poised to launch 23 new travel routes in March 2026, aiming to enhance its network across the United States and into Mexico. The expansion includes direct flights to vacation destinations, particularly focusing on Cancun via several major hubs.
New Routes and Seating Options for 2026
The new service to Cancun International Airport will be accessible through Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina, Chicago Midway International Airport, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Other routes will serve major airports in states including Tennessee, Florida, Nevada, and more, effectively broadening Frontier’s reach across the nation.
Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design at Frontier Airlines, emphasized the excitement surrounding 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 remarked. These updates are expected to cater to travelers looking for affordable options, particularly during the busy spring break period.
In conjunction with the route changes, Frontier will introduce new seating configurations. The UpFront Plus option will feature extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat in the first two rows of the aircraft. Additionally, the airline plans to debut its First Class seating setup in early 2026, although specific pricing details remain undisclosed.
As Frontier adjusts its domestic offerings, the airline aims to position itself as a more customer-friendly carrier while increasing its service options. The upcoming routes and enhanced seating options reflect a strategic effort to capture a larger share of the travel market as demand for air travel continues to evolve.
