Frontier Airlines announced eight new routes on Tuesday, the bulk of which is centered around Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). The ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) teased large plans for Atlanta when it announced it would be opening a new base at the airport. Now, the start of those plans is becoming clear with six new routes coming from the airport.

Frontier Airlines adds six new routes out of Atlanta

Frontier Airlines announced six new routes out of Atlanta this summer. Those flights will run to:

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) four times per week from June 11th
  • Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW) four times per week from June 11th
  • Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford four times per week from June 11th
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) three times per week from June 10th
  • Portland International Jetport (PWM) four times per week from July 13th
  • T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Providence three times per week from July 12th
Frontier's new ATL routes
Frontier's new routes out of Atlanta were announced on Tuesday. Rendering created at Great Circle Mapper

With these new routes, Frontier will be flying to 22 destinations nonstop out of Atlanta. Daniel Shurz, senior vice president of commercial at Frontier Airlines, stated the following on the new Atlanta routes:

“We’re excited to expand in Atlanta with six new nonstop routes. At Frontier, we’re focused on delivering ‘Low Fares Done Right,’ and constantly look for new travel opportunities for our customers. These new routes will now provide an affordable and convenient option for Atlantans to visit six popular cities. Additionally, we’re looking forward to further deepening our roots in the community with our first-ever ATL crew base opening later this year.”

Frontier Airbus Getty
Frontier Airlines has set no timeline for installing in-flight WiFi, a service generally demanded by business travelers, who do not represent Frontier's core travel mix. Photo: Getty Images

Philadelphia gets two new routes

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will get two new nonstop routes on Frontier:

  • Portland International Jetport (PWM) four times per week from July 13th
  • T.F. Green Airport (PVD) three times per week from July 12th

With these two new routes, Frontier will serve 25 nonstop destinations from PHL. Philadelphia is already a base for Frontier, and these new flights only expand the airline's presence at the airport.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier is adding two new routes out of its base in PHL. Photo: Getty Images

The new Atlanta routes spell good news

In February, Frontier Airlines announced plans to add two new bases in Tampa and Atlanta. The Atlanta base is expected to open later in 2021, as the airline concentrates on growth. Frontier has been known to be an aggressive carrier when it comes to expanding its route network.

With the new routes, Frontier is showing it is willing to come to big cities like Atlanta and set up bases in traditional legacy hubs and focus mostly on point-to-point, origin and destination traffic. Atlanta and its surrounding metropolitan area is one of the most populated in the United States, meaning Frontier has a significant opportunity to catch leisure travelers on these routes.

Frontier Airbus A320
Frontier Airlines has used bases to expand its operations in the past, and Atlanta has a lot of potential. Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

Atlanta is a base for Southwest Airlines, a sizable city for Spirit Airlines, and the largest hub for hometown carrier Delta Air Lines. Frontier coming in is part of the airline's expansion plans to target hub cities and provide passengers more options than a legacy hub carrier. Philadelphia is a large hub for American Airlines.

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Once Frontier opens up its base in Atlanta, for which it has already begun hiring, the airline will likely add more routes. This is especially true as the carrier takes new aircraft, which can be placed in Atlanta to grow services.

Where do you want Frontier to fly to next from Atlanta? Are you glad that Frontier is opening a new base in Atlanta? Let us know in the comments!