Missoula Airport Growing With New Flights, Increased Traffic

Last Saturday, June 14, Frontier airlines started new flights to Denver out of the Missoula International Airport. Airport Deputy Director Brian Ellestad says the new flights are just one more sign of growth for the airport.

"Even before Frontier started we've had a lot of extra growth," Ellestad said. "Alaska started their Portland service early this year and they plan to extend it into the fall, so that's eventually turning into a year-round route. Our May numbers were up 10 percent, May over May of the previous year."

On Tuesday, Frontier announced a special deal for travelers that will be available through Wednesday.

"Frontier announced a 48 hour sale," Ellestad said. "Tickets are available as low as $49 to Denver one way. It's for travel between the middle of August through the middle of November."

The airport is expanding with an outside deck that can accommodate summer travelers without having to pay to heat and cool the added room. When completed, Missoula will be just the third international airport to have an external deck.