The airline industry continues to rebound robustly in 2025, with major carriers adding new routes and enhancing services to meet growing traveler demand. In particular, Frontier Airlines and Iberia are expanding their networks, opening up fresh opportunities for domestic and international travel.

For U.S. travelers, this means more convenient and affordable flights, especially from key hubs like San Diego, Denver, and Madrid. Combined with ongoing health and safety improvements, these developments promise a safer, smoother travel experience. This updated guide covers the latest route announcements, what they mean for travelers, and essential health and safety tips for today’s global journeys.

Frontier Airlines Accelerates Growth with 15 New Routes Launching Fall 2025

Expanding Reach to New and Returning Markets

Frontier Airlines, known for its ultra-low fares and commitment to affordable travel, unveiled a significant expansion set for October 2025 with the launch of 15 new routes spanning coast to coast.

Among the highlights:

• Frontier will debut services in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Richmond, Virginia, marking its entry into these growing markets.
• The airline returns to Tulsa, Oklahoma, reinstating service after a hiatus.
• Numerous new routes connect top cities such as Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, and Atlanta with underserved airports across the U.S.

Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design, emphasized the company’s focus:
"With new destinations and routes launching this fall, travelers will have even more affordable flight options as they plan their trips into 2026. Our expansions into Texas and Virginia, along with our return to Tulsa, demonstrate Frontier’s mission to offer convenient, low-cost travel while continually enhancing the customer experience."

Notable New Routes and Fares

Frontier’s new service includes:

From	To	Start Date	Frequency	Introductory Fare*
Atlanta (ATL)	Omaha (OMA)	Oct 10, 2025	2x/week	$49
Charleston (CHS)	Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)	Oct 9, 2025	2x/week	$59
Corpus Christi (CRP)	Denver (DEN)	Oct 9, 2025	2x/week	$59
Denver (DEN)	New York (JFK)	Oct 8, 2025	3x/week	$59
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)	El Paso (ELP)	Oct 8, 2025	3x/week	$39
Newark (EWR)	Chicago Midway (MDW)	Oct 7, 2025	4x/week	$39
Richmond (RIC)	Atlanta (ATL)	Oct 17, 2025	2x/week	$29

(*Introductory fares are promotional and subject to availability.)

This expansion further cements Frontier's reputation as America’s Greenest Airline, operating the largest and youngest fleet of fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo family aircraft, minimizing its carbon footprint while offering some of the lowest fares available.

Service Enhancements Under ‘The New Frontier’

Frontier is simultaneously rolling out major customer experience upgrades, branded as ‘The New Frontier,’ including:

• UpFront Plus seating with extra legroom and guaranteed empty middle seats in the first two rows.
• Unlimited companion travel for frequent flyers, allowing passengers to bring different companions on various flights.
• Planned introduction of First Class seating in late 2025, combining premium comfort with Frontier’s budget-friendly ethos.
• Enhancements to the FRONTIER Miles frequent flyer program, featuring fast mile accumulation, elite status perks, and easy family pooling of miles.

Frontier’s San Diego Routes and Domestic Travel Growth in 2025

Building on its ongoing expansions, Frontier continues to serve San Diego International Airport with nonstop flights to:

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) —daily
• Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) — 4x/week
• Salt Lake City International (SLC) — 3x/week

These routes offer Southern California travelers affordable, direct connections to cultural, business, and outdoor hubs.

Why These Destinations Matter

• Chicago blends iconic urban culture, architecture, and culinary delights.
• Austin thrives as a live music and tech capital.
• Salt Lake City offers a mix of city experiences and world-class skiing.

With introductory fares starting as low as $39, Frontier’s San Diego service offers unbeatable value for both leisure and business travelers.

Iberia’s Madrid–Orlando Nonstop Flights: Boosting Transatlantic Connectivity in 2025

Since launching in late 2025, Iberia’s nonstop flights between Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) have enhanced travel options between Spain and Central Florida.

• Operating 4 weekly flights with Airbus A330s.
• Adding over 46,000 seats to this popular route during peak winter months.
• Serving tourists visiting Orlando’s theme parks and business travelers attending conventions.

Iberia’s Director of Sales, María Jesús López Solás, remarked, “Orlando is positioned to become a star destination for European travelers, especially during the Christmas season. Our direct service will streamline travel and support Florida’s tourism growth.”

The route reduces the need for connecting flights through Miami or other hubs, saving time and hassle.

The Importance of Travel Health and Safety in 2025

As international and domestic travel surges, health considerations remain paramount. Recent developments, such as mosquito-borne disease outbreaks like chikungunya in China, highlight why travelers must prepare properly before departure.

What Travelers Should Do:

• Visit Travel Health Clinics: Receive destination-specific vaccinations and health advice tailored to current risks, including protections against emerging illnesses.
• Stay Informed About Airline Health Protocols: Airlines including Frontier and Iberia maintain enhanced cleaning, air filtration, and flexible booking to prioritize passenger wellbeing.
• Check Entry Requirements: Some destinations still require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or other health documentation.
• Pack Health Essentials: Insect repellents, masks, sanitizers, and medications.

Frontier and Iberia’s Health Safety Initiatives

Both airlines continue to innovate in onboard health measures, including mask policies (as applicable), upgraded cleaning procedures, and customer service responsiveness to health concerns.

Practical Travel Tips to Make the Most of New Flight Options

• Book Early: Secure the best promotional fares on Frontier’s 15 new routes and Iberia’s Madrid-Orlando flights.
• Leverage Frequent Flyer Programs: Frontier Miles and Iberia Plus offer miles, upgrades, and companion travel benefits.
• Plan for Seasonality and Events: Consider Austin’s music festivals, Chicago’s summer culture, or Orlando’s holiday events.
• Monitor Travel Advisories: Follow CDC and airline updates for any last-minute health or security alerts.

Industry Context: What Frontier and Iberia’s Growth Means for Travelers in 2025

• Low-Cost Carriers Leading Domestic Expansion: Frontier’s aggressive route growth exemplifies ULCCs capturing growing market share by serving secondary airports and underserved markets.
• Sustainability Efforts: Frontier’s fleet upgrades contribute to environmental goals, responding to traveler preferences for greener travel.
• Rebound of Transatlantic Leisure Travel: Iberia’s route expansion reflects renewed demand for European tourism to the U.S., particularly family and leisure segments.

Planning Smarter, Healthier, and More Affordable Travel

With Frontier Airlines’ sweeping network growth and Iberia’s strategic transatlantic service, U.S. travelers in 2025 enjoy unprecedented choices for affordable and convenient flights.

By pairing these expanded flight options with informed travel health preparations and an eye on industry trends, you can confidently plan trips that are not only exciting but also safe and hassle-free.

Whether you’re heading to the urban charms of Chicago, the live music pulse of Austin, the outdoor adventures of Salt Lake City, or the magical world of Orlando, 2025’s flight expansions are designed to get you there with more convenience, lower costs, and enhanced travel experiences.