TYLER, Texas — When Frontier Airlines came to Tyler in the Summer of 2019, it was a major step for Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, opening more transportation opportunities to East Texas.
Tom Mullins with the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce says he was confused with Frontier's decision.
"We able to talk to some people who worked with Frontier on a regular basis, like flight attendants, and they're telling us the flights were full," said Mullins. "So we're puzzled. Most airlines are trying to shoot for 60 to 70%. They were consistently in the high 70s."
Frontier told our news partner the Tyler Morning Telegraph they are ending their service due to lack of demand and provided a statement that said:
"We greatly appreciate the partnership and support we have received from the airport and community and will continue to evaluate the potential for future opportunities."
Mullins says he spoke with Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, and they said Frontier is pulling out because of an equipment shortage.
"We haven't seen their numbers," said Mullins. "They don't have to share that, that inside business information."
Davis Dickson, Airport Manager at Tyler Pounds, says the Frontier flights have been busy for a majority of their time in Tyler.
"Especially through the holiday season, their flights were very full," said Dickson. "In fact, I know some cases when they were oversold."
When Frontier first came to Tyler, they had three flights a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Since mid-November, they cut that down to two days a week. Mondays and Fridays.
"Am I going to have this trip planned and then suddenly find out you've changed the schedule? I think that was part of the problem," said Mullins.
Both Mullins and Dickson hope Frontier reconsider but if they do not come back they would like to see another airline take their place.
"We're working with American Airlines and possibly other new carriers that would want to enter our market is a good lesson for us we saw I'll be honest, very surprising demand," said Davis.