DENVER, COLARADO — Frontier Airlines, an American ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), is significantly expanding its network from Puerto Rico, launching direct flights to eight new destinations in the United States and Mexico. 

This move increases the total number of destinations served from the Caribbean island to 20.

As of May 4, the airline has initiated flights from Puerto Rico's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) to Cleveland (CLE), Chicago (MDW), Baltimore (BWI), Detroit (DTW), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). The frequency of these flights will range from three times a week to daily.

Additionally, on the same day, Frontier Airlines started operating flights between Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernandez International Airport (BQN) and Tampa (TPA), as well as Ponce’s Mercedita International Airport (PSE) and Orlando (MCO). Both routes, connecting Puerto Rico to Florida, will operate three times per week.

Starting May 11, 2023, Frontier will also offer three weekly flights from Cancun (CUN) to Puerto Rico, and launch flights from San Jose (SJC) to DTW and CUN.

Jorge Hernandez, CEO of Aerostar Airport Holdings, which operates the busiest airport on the Caribbean island, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion. He said, “We are pleased to know that the largest expansion of the airline in its history takes place in Puerto Rico, with eight new non-stop routes to seven US cities and one service to Mexico, which will use Luis Munoz Marin International airport (SJU) as a gateway.”

Hernandez further added that the growth would result in more flight options for travelers, leading to increased employment and commercial activity at the airport, ultimately benefiting Puerto Rico.

Daniel Shurz, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Frontier Airlines, stated, “Our major expansion in Puerto Rico is connecting the island to some of the most popular destinations across the United States, as well as Cancún.” He also emphasized that, in addition to increased tourism, Puerto Ricans now have more access to Frontier's "Low Fares Done Right" for visiting friends and family across the US.

Frontier recently reported a US$13.1 million deficit for Q1 2023, a substantial improvement compared to a US$121 million loss in Q1 2022. In response, the airline plans to adjust its network strategy, focusing on peak times for leisure travel and reducing underperforming routes during off-peak times. These changes will be fully implemented during the second half of 2023.