Nashville Joins Cancún, Charlotte, Newark, Orlando, Miami, Salt Lake City, Chicago Midway, and More as Frontier Airlines Expands 2026 Routes, Boosting US and Canada Tourism with More Affordable Travel Options

Published on December 6, 2025

Cancún, Mexico — holiday‑hungry travellers will soon get more choices. Frontier Airlines has officially announced a sweeping network expansion that will roll out 23 new routes in 2026, connecting cities across the United States and one of the world’s top vacation spots — Cancún.

The move is part of Frontier’s broader push to deliver affordable travel to more people. The new schedule spans 24 airports and aims to catch the spring‑break wave next year.

What’s New: Flights, Destinations, and Budget‑Friendly Fares

The announced 23‑route package includes a mix of domestic U.S. city links and international service to Mexico. Among the standouts are direct flights from U.S. hubs to Cancún, and increased connectivity to U.S. destinations such as Phoenix, Orlando, Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale.

Promotional fares are a major draw — as low as US $39 for certain routes, underscoring Frontier’s commitment to affordability.

What This Means for Travellers and the Airline Industry

For travellers, the expansion opens up low‑cost access not only to sunny beach getaways in Cancún but also to popular U.S. cities and holiday hubs. More direct routes mean fewer layovers, more convenience — and significant savings.

For the airline sector, Frontier’s aggressive growth underscores a shift: while some carriers shrink their networks, Frontier is doubling down on expansion, betting on demand for budget travel and broader destination coverage.

Timing & Strategic Rationale

The new routes are scheduled to launch in late winter to early spring 2026 — a period that dovetails with spring break and vacation travel demand.

From the airline’s perspective, the expansion comes as part of its ongoing strategy to dominate as a low‑fare carrier across top U.S. metros and popular international leisure destinations.

Key Origin–Destination Highlights

While Frontier has announced the full 23‑route slate, only a subset of flight pairs has been publicly detailed so far. Among them: flights from U.S. hubs including airports in Charlotte, Chicago‑Midway, Raleigh‑Durham and others — to Cancún. Domestic routes will link secondary or mid‑sized U.S. airports to major leisure or urban hubs.

This allows both international getaways and domestic city‑to‑city travel under the same expansion plan.

Affordability With Freedom: What Travellers Should Know

• Introductory fares start at US $39, making previously expensive vacation destinations and cross‑country trips accessible to more people.
• The routes are timed to begin just before peak spring‑break season — a savvy play to attract holiday‑seekers looking for budget getaways.
• With 24 airports in the new network, many smaller or under‑served U.S. cities may see upgraded connectivity — expanding travel options beyond the usual big‑city hubs.

The Bigger Picture: Frontier Betting on Budget & Volume

In an aviation environment where some carriers scale back, Frontier’s decision to go big sends a signal: demand still exists for low‑cost, flexible travel — and there is value in volume over premium pricing.

By expanding routes and offering sub‑$50 fares, Frontier positions itself as the go-to option for budget travellers, students, families and holiday‑seekers chasing sun or city breaks.

Traveller Takeaway: Plan Early, Book Fast

For travel planners and holiday seekers — especially those eyeing spring break 2026 — this announcement is a green flag. With prices starting from $39 and new direct connections to holiday and urban destinations, it’s worth checking routes as soon as the schedule becomes live.

Keeping an eye on rollout dates, route frequencies and blackout fares will be key. Given the anticipated demand, early booking would likely secure the best prices and seat availability.

Confirmed New Route Pairs (Origins → Destinations)

Final Thoughts — Travel Dreams Meet Reality

Frontier’s 23‑route announcement doesn’t just promise travel — it delivers a message: affordable, direct flights to dream destinations are within reach. For travellers craving sun, fun, or simple city‑to‑city hops, it could mark the start of many memorable holidays. For the airline industry, it’s a bold bet on making low‑fare travel mainstream again.

If you are planning a 2026 getaway, this could be your cue — but move fast. As Frontier ramps up, the best fares and choice routes may disappear sooner than you expect.