Frontier Airlines Abandons Paine Field: A Massive Blow to Everett Tourism and Local Travelers

Published on December 19, 2025

The dream of affordable skies over Everett has suddenly dimmed. Frontier Airlines is leaving Paine Field. This news hits home for families who loved the easy “boutique” airport experience. For many, it was a gateway to memories in Phoenix and Las Vegas. The final flight will depart on January 5, 2026. This exit leaves a deep void in our local travel heart. Only seven months ago, we celebrated with water cannons and joy. Now, the terminal prepares for a quieter winter. The loss of these routes feels like losing a new friend.

The Sudden End of a Golden Era

Frontier Airlines Abandons Paine Field: A Massive Blow to Everett Tourism and Local Travelers officially confirmed its departure from Snohomish County this week. The airline launched service on June 2, 2025. It promised low fares for the northern Seattle region. However, the journey was short. By early January, the bright green tails of Frontier planes will vanish. This move leaves Alaska Airlines as the only carrier left.

Tourism Resilience in Snohomish County

Local government leaders view Paine Field as an economic crown jewel. According to Snohomish County reports, the airport generates billions in economic impact. Tourism is a major part of this growth. Easy access to the Pacific Northwest attracts thousands of visitors. Tourists come for the Boeing Future of Flight and local waterfronts. The loss of Frontier is a hurdle, but the mission remains. The county continues to support the 2040 Master Plan for growth.

A Missing Link to the Mile High City

The most painful loss for tourism is the Denver route. Frontier provided the only nonstop link between Everett and Colorado. Travelers used this path to explore the Rocky Mountains. Denver tourists used it to visit our lush evergreen forests. Without this flight, visitors must face the heavy traffic of Sea-Tac. This change adds hours to a simple vacation. It makes our beautiful region slightly harder to reach.

Alaska Airlines Steps Up for Travelers

While one door closes, another opens for Pacific Northwest tourism. Government data shows Alaska Airlines is expanding its footprint. They will soon launch a nonstop route to Portland, Oregon. This connects two major tourism hubs in the West. Travelers can still reach Phoenix and Las Vegas through Alaska’s daily service. The focus remains on keeping the “Paine Field Advantage” alive for everyone.

The Struggle of the Small Airport

Operating a secondary airport is a difficult challenge. Experts noted that Frontier struggled with “load factors” at Paine Field. Many flights were less than half full. The airline only flew two or three times per week. This low frequency made it hard for tourists to plan short trips. Most travelers prefer daily options for their weekend getaways. Larger airports like Sea-Tac offer more flexibility, despite the long lines.

Interim Leadership and Changing Paths

The departure follows a major leadership change at the airline. Frontier’s CEO resigned just days before this announcement. The new interim team is reviewing every route for profitability. They decided to cut underperforming markets to save costs. A spokesperson stated that they value the partnership with the airport. They may return if the market conditions improve in the future. For now, the focus shifts back to a single-carrier model.

Building a Stronger Gateway to the North

Propeller Airports and the County remain very optimistic. They still plan to expand the terminal from three gates to seven. This expansion aims to attract new airlines and more destinations. Government studies show the region needs relief from Sea-Tac’s congestion. More gates mean more opportunities for unique tourism experiences. Our community deserves a world-class airport that is easy to use.

Everett, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver: Keeping the Spirit of Travel Alive

We will miss the excitement of the “New Frontier” at our doorstep. Every takeoff was a symbol of our growing community. However, the spirit of Everett tourism is not easily broken. We still have the most beautiful, stress-free terminal in the country. Our local parks, museums, and shops are ready to welcome you. We look forward to the day the skies fill with more options again. For now, cherish your local flights and keep exploring. Our journey is far from over, and the horizon is still bright.