(DETROIT) Frontier Airlines will launch six new routes from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport as part of a broad network push aimed at the country’s biggest metro areas, the carrier said Tuesday. The flights roll out between November 2025 and February 2026, with introductory fares starting at $29 each way and tickets on sale now. The move adds more low-cost options for Detroit travelers heading to sun spots and business hubs.
Expansion overview

The six-city expansion from Detroit includes one international route and five domestic links. Most of the new Detroit routes will run between one and three times per week at the outset, depending on destination.
- Introductory fares: $29 to $89 each way
- Fare purchase deadline: September 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET
- Promo travel window: October 20, 2025 — January 5, 2026
- Blackout dates: November 23–30, December 21–31, and January 1–2
Booking is open now through Frontier’s sales channels. Customers can find schedules and purchase tickets at the carrier’s website, Frontier Airlines, and review official announcements at the Frontier Newsroom. The airline’s customer service line is 801-401-9000 for general inquiries.
Routes, fares, and dates
- Cancun (CUN): service begins November 22, 2025, operating 1x weekly
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL): service begins November 20, 2025, operating 3x weekly
- Houston (IAH): service begins November 21, 2025, operating 3x weekly
- New Orleans (MSY): service begins February 12, 2026, operating 2x weekly
- Orlando (MCO): part of Detroit expansion; details TBA
- Tampa (TPA): part of Detroit expansion; details TBA
Strategic context and rationale
These additions position Detroit among the biggest winners in Frontier’s latest growth wave, alongside Houston, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, Charlotte, and Baltimore. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the expansion concentrates on high-demand metro areas where competitors have pulled back, seeking to bring more low fares to large population centers that saw reduced service.
Frontier CEO Barry Biffle framed the move as a response to shifting capacity across the sector:
“As industry capacity adjusts, we want to ensure consumers in those markets continue to have affordable flight options. Frontier is not just about delivering low fares — we’ve made major enhancements, from product upgrades to the most rewarding loyalty program, and investments in technology and service, as part of The New Frontier.”
The airline aims to be the top low-fare carrier in the 20 largest U.S. metro areas. Detroit’s mix of leisure and business travelers fits squarely into that plan, linking Metro Detroit to major Florida leisure markets, a Gulf Coast city with strong tourism and events, a Texas business center, and Cancun as a major international resort destination.
Industry backdrop
This network play arrives as the industry continues to reset. Spirit Airlines retrenched after a 2024 bankruptcy and remains under financial pressure, creating openings on some routes. Frontier appears ready to fill gaps on short- and medium-haul leisure flights while testing demand with lower weekly frequencies that can scale up if bookings are strong.
Frontier’s loyalty and product changes, promoted under “The New Frontier,” are designed to bring frequent flyers into its ecosystem. Highlights include:
- Companion certificates
- Instant elite offers for select switchers
- New seating choices
- Rolling out an “UpFront Plus” section
- Plans for a first-class product with complimentary upgrades for Gold members by the end of 2025
These moves signal a bid to win business-minded travelers who still want lower fares.
Competitive landscape and traveler impact
For Detroit residents, the six new routes mean more choice and pricing pressure, especially to Florida. When a low-cost carrier adds nonstop flights, average fares on that route often drop—at least during the promo and early rollout phase. Expect competing sales from other airlines at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport as schedules adjust.
Key traveler considerations:
- The fare sale covers travel through early January, excluding peak holiday periods.
- Families, students, and small business owners who can travel on non-peak days may find the best deals.
- Several routes will run only 1–3x weekly, so build flexibility into plans if you need to change dates.
- Compare total trip costs — with low base fares, optional add-ons (bags, seat selection) can change the value proposition.
Practical tips:
1. Act before the September 1, 2025 deadline.
2. Scan the blackout dates and plan around them.
3. Compare total costs, including baggage and seat fees.
4. If traveling light and price-sensitive, base fares may be especially attractive.
International travel note
International travelers headed to Cancun will pass through border checks on return. For official information about documents, customs, and arrivals, review U.S. Customs and Border Protection travel guidance.
Plan extra time on return, especially around the blackout dates and the early January rush.
Local impacts and future outlook
At Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, added frequencies to Florida and Texas should help weekend travelers, snowbirds, and families visiting relatives. New Orleans flights add a convenient option for event travel and winter getaways. Houston service opens one-stop reach to a wider network across Texas and Latin America on separate tickets, although Frontier focuses on point-to-point flying.
Frontier has signaled more route announcements are likely in the coming months as it builds share in large U.S. cities. In Detroit, that could mean:
- Schedule tweaks
- Added days of operation
- Seasonal shifts
If early bookings are strong, travelers may see more frequency, though the carrier has not committed to expansions yet.
Where to get updates
Travelers can monitor updates, including final details for Orlando and Tampa, at the Frontier Newsroom or by checking schedules at Frontier Airlines. Customer service is available at 801-401-9000.
As always, review fare rules before purchase and keep an eye on schedule changes as the new flights approach launch.
This Article in a Nutshell
Frontier will add six routes from Detroit between Nov 2025 and Feb 2026, including Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, Houston and New Orleans, with promo fares from $29 if purchased by Sept 1, 2025; travel window Oct 20, 2025–Jan 5, 2026 and several holiday blackout dates.