EVERETT—Frontier Airlines announced it will cease operations at Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) on January 5, 2026, citing low consumer demand, just seven months after launching service.
The low-cost carrier began flights from Paine Field on June 2, 2025, with routes to Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix. The departure will make Frontier the second airline to exit the airport since commercial passenger service commenced on March 4, 2019. United Airlines discontinued its operations in 2021, leaving Alaska Airlines as the sole remaining carrier until Frontier’s arrival.
Frontier will continue to operate in Washington state from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Spokane International Airport (GEG).
Paine Field, located north of Seattle, has garnered national recognition for its passenger experience. In 2025, it ranked third in Newsweek’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Small Airport in the U.S. and fifth overall among the 50 Best Airports in America by The Washington Post. In 2024, it placed in the top 10 small airports in Newsweek’s awards.
The introduction of commercial flights at Paine Field followed years of legal challenges. The city of Mukilteo filed a lawsuit in 2013 to block development of the passenger terminal, raising concerns about noise, traffic and environmental effects. The Washington State Supreme Court rejected Mukilteo’s appeal in 2017, allowing the project to proceed.
Adjacent to the airport, a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Research and Development Center is under development, supported by $10 million in funding with potential for an additional $10 million. The facility aims to advance eco-friendly aviation fuels, drawing on the region’s aerospace industry expertise.
Author: Mario Lotmore
One Response
Hallelujah..! Peace may resume in Brier..! Now if only Alaska Air and private Jets will follow suit…