Flydubai launches daily Pokhara–Dubai flights

Pokhara International Airport has begun daily international commercial operations with the launch of Flydubai’s direct service to Dubai, opening a new air link for western Nepal.

The airline’s first flight arrived in Pokhara on Wednesday with 113 passengers aboard a Boeing 737 MAX and later returned to Dubai with 153 passengers. The 166-seat aircraft has 12 business-class and 156 economy seats.

The new service gives passengers from western Nepal a direct connection to Dubai, including migrant workers traveling to the Gulf and students heading to the US, Canada and Europe through Dubai. Flydubai operates its own flights to more than 120 destinations and has connections to additional destinations through its partnership with Emirates.

The airline has opened bookings through March 26, 2027. Tickets from Pokhara are reportedly up to NRs 5,000 cheaper than comparable services from Kathmandu.

The route has also generated interest among Pokhara’s tourism and hospitality businesses. Around 50 hotels have joined a promotional scheme offering Flydubai passengers discounts of up to 25 percent during the first three months. Participating hotels are also providing complimentary accommodation and breakfast to passengers from the inaugural flight, while restaurants are offering discounts of 15–20 percent.

Airport authorities and tourism businesses expect the new service to help increase international tourist arrivals to Pokhara and encourage other international airlines operating from Kathmandu to consider the city.

However, sustaining regular international flights remains a challenge. Pokhara International Airport has struggled to maintain scheduled international services since opening. Himalaya Airlines, which began regular Pokhara–Lhasa flights in March 2025, later suspended the route citing low passenger numbers.

To attract international airlines, the government has waived parking, landing and navigation charges at Pokhara airport until the end of Bhadra 2085 and provided a 50 percent discount on ground-handling charges.

The success of the Flydubai route will therefore depend on sustained passenger demand, tourism growth and the ability to attract additional international services to Pokhara.

Meanwhile, Himalaya Airlines is scheduled to resume direct Kathmandu–Shanghai flights from September 28, initially operating twice a week. The renewed service is expected to strengthen Nepal’s air links with China for tourism, trade and travel.

The two developments mark an expansion of Nepal’s international aviation network, while the long-term success of Pokhara’s airport will depend on passenger demand, airline participation and the ability to maintain regular services.