Frontier Airlines has announced it will cease operations at Seattle’s Paine Field International Airport in January 2024, just seven months after launching services from the facility. The budget airline initiated flights from Paine Field in June 2023, providing routes to Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix twice a week.
Propeller Airports, the operator of the Seattle Paine Field Passenger Terminal, had anticipated that the introduction of Frontier flights would attract an additional 100,000 travelers annually. However, on January 5, 2024, Frontier confirmed that it would discontinue its Paine Field services.
A spokesperson for Frontier stated, “We periodically review and update routes based on market demand. We greatly value our partnership with Paine Field and, as with any market departure, we will continue to evaluate a potential return at some point in the future.”
The decision to withdraw from Paine Field leaves the airport with only one major airline, Alaska Airlines. This airline continues to operate flights from Paine Field to various destinations in California, as well as to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Honolulu.
Market Demand Influences Frontier’s Decision
Located approximately 30 miles north of downtown Seattle, Paine Field promotes itself as a convenient, less-crowded alternative to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Despite Frontier’s recent changes, including its exit from Paine Field, demand for air travel remains strong, according to industry stakeholders.
Brett Smith, CEO of Propeller Airports, commented on the situation, stating, “While Frontier has made strategic changes in recent weeks, including its exit from Paine Field, demand remains strong and travelers will continue to have access to the same destinations through Alaska.”
Frontier will maintain its operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, offering the same routes to Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix that were previously available at Paine Field.
As the airline industry continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences, the impact of Frontier’s departure will be closely monitored by both travelers and airport officials.
