Flydubai to Launch Direct Pokhara-Dubai Flights from September 23

Pokhara, Nepal – Flydubai has secured approval to operate direct flights on the Pokhara-Dubai-Pokhara route, marking a significant advancement in establishing regular international air travel from Pokhara International Airport. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has granted permission for daily operations, which are set to commence on September 23.

Jagannath Niraula, General Manager of Pokhara International Airport, confirmed the approval, stating, "The flight schedule has already been approved on Monday. Daily Pokhara-Dubai flights will commence from September 23." Before granting approval, a technical team from Flydubai, an airline owned by the government of Dubai, conducted a thorough inspection of the airport's security, safety, and operational readiness.

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The flight schedule has already been approved on Monday. Daily Pokhara-Dubai flights will commence from September 23.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya hailed the decision as a "major milestone" for Nepal’s third international airport. He highlighted that the direct link to Dubai will provide access to over 300 global destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. This connectivity is anticipated to significantly boost tourism in Pokhara and alleviate some of the air traffic congestion at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.

Opened in January 2023 and built at an estimated cost of Rs 22 billion, Pokhara International Airport has experienced limited international service thus far, with most operations remaining domestic. A previous short-lived international route by Himalaya Airlines to Lhasa was discontinued. Tourism entrepreneurs have long advocated for regular international flights, noting that Pokhara has already attracted substantial tourism-related investments, estimated at nearly Rs 100 billion. They continue to urge the expansion of routes to major cities in India and China.

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The direct link with Dubai would open access to more than 300 global destinations across the Middle East, Europe and beyond, boosting tourism and helping reduce pressure on Kathmandu’s aviation hub.