Representatives of Flydubai and tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara have held discussions on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Pokhara–Dubai direct flight service, which is scheduled to commence on September 23.
During a meeting on Sunday with officials of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara, Flydubai’s Nepal General Manager Navaraj Shahi said preparations were underway to make the new international route commercially sustainable. He emphasized that the active support of local communities, tourism stakeholders, and the private sector would be crucial for the long-term success of the service.
Shahi said the direct flight would provide travelers from Gandaki Province and surrounding regions with convenient access to more than 250 global destinations, including London, New York, Tokyo, and other major international cities through Flydubai’s network and connecting flights.
On the occasion, PCCI President Gokarna Karki pledged the private sector’s full cooperation to ensure the sustainability of international flights operating from Pokhara. Likewise, Ramesh Lamichhane, General Manager of Fly Emirates Nepal, stated that all necessary preparations had been completed to support the long-term operation of the route.
Former Chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pomanarayan Shrestha, stressed that coordinated efforts from all concerned stakeholders would be essential to maintain regular and sustainable international air connectivity from Pokhara.
Representatives of REBAN Pokhara and Flydubai also discussed tourism promotion, business collaboration, and strengthening partnerships between the airline and Nepal’s tourism industry. Both sides highlighted the need to promote sustainable tourism, increase international tourist arrivals, and enhance cooperation between the private sector and aviation stakeholders.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) granted Flydubai permission last month to operate daily Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flights. The airline has already published its flight schedule. Although Flydubai initially announced one daily flight for the first month of operations, it has already opened ticket bookings through March 26, 2027, signaling confidence in the route’s long-term prospects.
Earlier, a Flydubai technical team conducted a comprehensive inspection of Pokhara International Airport, focusing on aviation security, safety standards, and operational readiness before launching commercial services.
The approval for the new route came shortly after the Government of Nepal announced, through its Fiscal Year 2026/27 policy and programme, that it would undertake diplomatic initiatives to attract international airlines to Pokhara International Airport.
Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic that regular international flights will significantly boost foreign tourist arrivals by directly connecting Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, to the global aviation network. Until now, the airport has handled only a limited number of charter flights to neighboring countries and has yet to establish regular international commercial services.
Built at a cost of approximately Rs 22 billion through external financing, Pokhara International Airport has remained largely dependent on domestic flights since its inauguration on January 1, 2023. Stakeholders believe the launch of Flydubai’s service could mark a significant milestone in unlocking the airport’s international potential and strengthening Nepal’s tourism industry.
