March 19, 2026 • 3 min read
Frontier Airlines will launch four new routes this spring, targeting markets where CEO James Dempsey says cuts by Spirit Airlines have created openings. Spirit is working to emerge from its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is shrinking its network.
New routes and start dates:
– DFW–EWR: Daily from May 5
– DFW–SNA: Four times weekly from May 21
– IAD–FLL: Daily from May 21
– LAS–BNA: Four times weekly from June 11
Two of those routes—DFW–EWR and LAS–BNA—are currently served by Spirit. Cirium schedule data shows Spirit plans to reduce year‑round service on LAS–BNA to seasonal this summer. Dempsey said Frontier is already seeing benefits, especially in Las Vegas, noting Spirit has “deconstruct[ed] that network quite considerably.” Frontier seats at LAS are up 6% in Q1 compared with 2025, while Spirit seats are down 68%, per Cirium.
Spirit plans to emerge from restructuring as a significantly smaller carrier, shedding nearly two‑thirds of its fleet and concentrating on four core markets: Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and the New York City area.
Frontier has pursued combination with Spirit in the past; JetBlue outbid Frontier in 2022, and a 2025 merger proposal was rejected.
The new routes arrive as Frontier expands its product offering. The Denver‑based low‑cost carrier has added premium options—from first class to UpFront Plus extra‑legroom seats with blocked middle seats—and introduced more perks for Frontier Miles elites. Dempsey said traveler response to these premium investments has been “phenomenally good,” but added the airline’s loyalty program is “very immature” and needs more investment, including improvements to its cobranded credit card.
On connectivity, Dempsey said inflight Wi‑Fi will arrive on Frontier aircraft in 2027, calling it essential to remain in travelers’ decision set. Frontier has previously said it will announce an inflight connectivity supplier sometime this year.
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