Pokhara International Airport is set to begin its first regular international commercial flight service, with scheduled flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, commencing on September 23, 2026. Ticket bookings for the route have already opened, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s journey toward becoming an international aviation gateway. The launch is expected to provide a major boost to tourism, trade, foreign employment, travel, and international connectivity for Pokhara, Gandaki Province, and Nepal as a whole.
Decades-Long Dream Finally Becoming Reality
Pokhara International Airport was officially inaugurated on January 1, 2023, by then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The project was completed after nearly five decades of advocacy, public demand, and sustained efforts by residents, tourism entrepreneurs, and stakeholders who viewed the airport as a transformative infrastructure project for the region. While the airport has been operational for domestic services since its inauguration, it has yet to secure regular international commercial flights, leading to concerns over the full utilization of the facility.
Previous International Operations Limited to Charter Flights
Since opening, the airport has hosted several charter flights to destinations in China and Bhutan. It also facilitated a medical evacuation flight to India. However, the absence of scheduled international commercial services had remained a major challenge, preventing the airport from realizing its intended role as a global gateway to Nepal’s tourism capital. The upcoming Dubai service is expected to address that gap and establish Pokhara as an internationally connected destination.
Tourism Sector Welcomes Historic Development
Former President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pom Narayan Shrestha, described the launch of regular international flights as a landmark achievement for the city and the country. According to Shrestha, Pokhara International Airport represents far more than an infrastructure project; it symbolizes decades of aspirations and collective efforts by the people of Pokhara.
He noted that although the airport’s construction had been completed, the lack of regular international flights meant that its full potential had not yet been realized. “The commencement of direct international flights to Dubai is a historic achievement for Pokhara, Gandaki Province, and Nepal. It will contribute significantly to tourism promotion, trade expansion, and broader economic development,” he said.
Ticket Sales Already Open
With the service scheduled to begin on September 23, ticket bookings have already been made available. Travelers can purchase tickets through the airline’s official booking platforms as well as authorized travel agencies. The route is expected to serve not only tourists but also Nepali migrant workers, business travelers, and passengers seeking convenient onward connections to destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America via Dubai’s global aviation network.
New Opportunities for Tourism and Trade
Industry stakeholders believe the Dubai connection will create fresh opportunities for tourism promotion and business growth. Direct international access is expected to make Pokhara more attractive to foreign visitors while also improving connectivity for local entrepreneurs and exporters.
The route is also likely to benefit thousands of Nepalis working abroad by offering a more convenient departure and arrival point closer to western and central Nepal. Tourism entrepreneurs have long argued that regular international flights are essential for positioning Pokhara as a world-class tourism destination and maximizing the economic benefits of the airport.
Strengthening Pokhara’s Global Identity
The launch of regular commercial international flights is being viewed as more than just an expansion of air services. Stakeholders say it represents an important step toward strengthening Pokhara’s international profile and enhancing Nepal’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.
With direct access to one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, Pokhara International Airport is expected to play a greater role in attracting international visitors, facilitating investment, and supporting the long-term growth of Nepal’s tourism industry. As the first scheduled commercial international service prepares for takeoff, many see the Dubai route as the beginning of a new era for Pokhara’s aviation and tourism sectors.
