Colorado Springs Airport Adds Three New Direct Routes for Summer 2026
The Colorado Springs Airport announced three new nonstop routes launching this summer, connecting the Pikes Peak region to San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Nashville. The routes, operated by Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines, are part of the airport's ongoing expansion strategy that has seen passenger numbers grow by 40 percent over the past three years.
Airport Director Greg Phillips said the new routes reflect growing demand from both leisure and business travelers. The San Francisco route will operate four times weekly on Southwest, while Frontier will serve Minneapolis three times weekly and Nashville four times weekly. Introductory fares start at $89 one-way for domestic routes.
The expansion follows the completion of a $200 million terminal modernization project in 2025 that added six new gates, expanded the security checkpoint, and upgraded passenger amenities. Phillips noted that the airport now offers direct service to 22 destinations, up from 12 just five years ago, positioning Colorado Springs as a viable alternative to Denver International Airport for southern Colorado travelers.
Local business leaders have welcomed the announcement, citing the new routes as a catalyst for tourism and economic development. The Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates that each new direct route generates approximately $15 million in annual economic impact for the region through increased visitor spending and business travel convenience.