Flydubai to launch daily Pokhara-Dubai flights

Dhaka: Dubai-based budget carrier Flydubai has received approval to operate daily direct flights between Dubai and Pokhara, marking a major development toward establishing regular international connectivity from Nepal's third international gateway.

Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority granted permission for daily operations beginning September 23, confirmed Pokhara International Airport General Manager Jagannath Niraula.

A technical team from the Dubai government-owned carrier recently conducted a detailed inspection of the airport's security, safety, and operational readiness before the approval was granted.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya welcomed the development, describing it as a significant milestone.

Acharya noted that the direct Dubai link would provide access to over 300 global destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, while also helping ease congestion at Kathmandu's aviation hub.

The airport was inaugurated in January 2023 at a cost of approximately NPR 22 billion but has so far seen limited international operations. A brief Pokhara-Lhasa service by Himalaya Airlines in 2025 was later discontinued.

Tourism entrepreneurs have long advocated for regular international flights, noting the airport has already attracted nearly NPR 100 billion in tourism-related investments in Pokhara. Stakeholders have also urged the expansion of routes to major cities in India and China.