Barry Biffle, the chief executive of Frontier Airlines, has issued a stark warning to travelers, stating that the era of ultra-low-cost domestic air travel may be nearing its end. During the airline’s second-quarter 2025 earnings call, Biffle indicated that U.S. carriers are preparing to significantly reduce flight capacity due to an oversupply of routes that are no longer profitable.
According to reports, Biffle stated that when international and code-share flights are excluded, the domestic market is not generating revenue for many airlines. This imbalance between flight supply and passenger demand is forcing carriers to reconsider their route networks. This sentiment was echoed by United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, who noted that a “double-digit percentage” of routes for many carriers outside of United and Delta are losing money and will need to be cut to achieve profitability.
For travelers, these changes could mean a more challenging booking landscape. Industry experts and news outlets suggest that passengers can expect fewer flight options, particularly for off-peak times and days, and reduced service to smaller airports. With a potential decrease in capacity, remaining fares could also become more expensive. Despite Frontier’s reported net loss of $70 million for the quarter, Biffle expressed confidence in the airline’s long-term strategy, predicting that Frontier would be the “last man standing” among ultra-low-cost carriers due to its clean balance sheet and efficient cost structure. The capacity reductions are expected to begin in the coming months, with significant cuts potentially completed by next spring.