Frontier Airlines Exits Everett, Washington, After Brief Service

Frontier Airlines has announced the discontinuation of its flights from Paine Field Airport (PAE) in Everett, Washington, effective January 5, 2026. This decision comes just seven months after the airline began operations at the airport. The low-cost carrier initially launched service on June 2, 2025, offering twice-weekly flights to Denver, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.

The discontinuation of these routes reflects challenges in sustaining demand and load factors, particularly in a competitive market dominated by larger airports such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Although Frontier has not publicly specified the reasons for its withdrawal, it is likely that these factors played a significant role.

Alaska Airlines Expands at Paine Field

With Frontier’s exit, Alaska Airlines is set to become the sole carrier offering scheduled services from Paine Field. Currently, Alaska Airlines operates nonstop flights to eight destinations, including Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, Phoenix, San Diego, and San Francisco. The airline plans to further consolidate its position by adding a new route to Portland International Airport (PDX) starting in June 2026.

While Frontier’s departure means that the direct route to Denver will be eliminated, Alaska Airlines already services both Phoenix and Las Vegas, ensuring continued connectivity for travelers from Paine Field.

Paine Field’s Growing Reputation

Paine Field has gained recognition as one of the top airports in the United States, ranking fifth in The Washington Post’s list of the 50 Best Airports in America in 2025. The evaluation considered a range of performance metrics, including customer satisfaction ratings from platforms like Yelp.

The airport has been lauded for its passenger-friendly amenities, including valet parking, a lounge-style terminal, and efficient check-in processes. Since launching commercial service in 2019, Paine Field has served over 3.4 million passengers, making it a vital economic contributor to the region, according to Propeller Airports, the operator of the terminal.

As Frontier Airlines concludes its brief tenure at Paine Field, the future of the airport appears to rest on the continued expansion of Alaska Airlines, which remains committed to providing a robust network of destinations for travelers in the greater Seattle area.