Another week, another round of route announcements from Frontier Airlines. The Denver-based ultra-low-cost carrier has been unveiling dozens of new flights in recent weeks as part of its apparent strategy shift in 2024, and now it is focusing on the Midwest. Frontier has revealed plans to expand its presence at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
On Wednesday, Frontier announced eight new routes out of Cleveland, all set to launch this spring. These routes include flights to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). These new routes come on top of the two routes that Frontier announced last month.
At the same time, Frontier also announced a half-dozen new destinations from Cincinnati’s airport, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). All of these new routes will also launch this spring.
Frontier’s increased focus on Ohio is part of its strategy to shift away from prominent leisure travel markets. While warm-weather vacation cities like Orlando and Las Vegas have been popular for budget airlines, they have become less favorable due to surging capacity and increased competition. Frontier is now focusing on markets where it can attract travelers who may be flying to visit family and friends rather than for vacation.
This shift in focus has led Frontier to unveil dozens of new routes in recent weeks, including routes from larger carriers’ major hubs. For example, during the second quarter of 2024, Frontier plans to offer 79% more seats out of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), 72% more seats out of Charlotte, 92% more seats out of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and 127% more seats out of New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). On the other hand, seats will decrease by 11% out of Orlando International Airport (MCO), 30% out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and 17% out of Cancun International Airport (CUN).
While Frontier’s strategy shift is focused on attracting non-vacation travelers, there are still some new routes that cater to leisure travelers. For example, the airline is launching new flights to Florida and an East Coast beach destination.
In Cincinnati, Frontier announced six new routes, including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine, Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Florida, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). These routes are mostly new for Frontier, except for the Cincinnati to Fort Lauderdale route that the airline previously operated before the pandemic.
In Cleveland, Frontier announced eight new routes, including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) in Florida, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) in Georgia, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Pensacola International Airport (PNS) in Florida, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). While most of these routes are new, Frontier has operated the Cleveland to Houston route in the past.
With these new routes, Frontier will serve a total of 30 destinations from Cleveland and 20 nonstop destinations from Cincinnati. The airline expects daily departures to increase by 38% in Cleveland and 57% in Cincinnati compared to last year.
Frontier’s decision to expand its footprint in Cleveland is not surprising, as the airline announced plans last fall to open a new crew base in the city. The base is set to open in March and will support Frontier’s growing operations in Cleveland.
Overall, Frontier Airlines’ recent route announcements reflect its strategy shift to focus on non-vacation travelers and target markets where it can attract passengers visiting family and friends. By expanding its presence in Cleveland and Cincinnati, Frontier aims to capture more passengers in the Midwest and continue its growth in these markets.