The upcoming direct Pokhara–Dubai flight, scheduled to begin on September 23, 2026, has prompted tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara to intensify their efforts to ensure its long-term sustainability. Tourism entrepreneurs and business representatives have pledged to work collectively on marketing, promotion, and market development to attract international visitors and maintain strong passenger demand. The initiative is aimed at making the flight service commercially viable while strengthening Pokhara’s position as an international tourism destination. The commitment was made during an interaction organized by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Gandaki in Pokhara, where tourism stakeholders discussed the significance of connecting Nepal’s tourism capital with the international aviation network.
The new service, to be operated by flydubai, is being viewed as an important opportunity to strengthen Pokhara’s international connectivity and expand access to the city for both international visitors and Nepali travellers. Participants emphasized that the success of the service will depend on coordinated efforts from tourism businesses, government agencies, airlines and local stakeholders.
Tourism Stakeholders Commit to Promoting the Route
Hari Bhujel, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, said the benefits of the new flight would extend beyond Pokhara’s tourism industry, contributing to economic activity throughout Gandaki Province and the country. He noted that the upcoming service represents a long-awaited opportunity for regular international flights from Pokhara International Airport and said local tourism entrepreneurs are prepared to work together to make the route commercially sustainable.
Nepal Tourism Board Executive Committee Member Santosh Pokharel also emphasized that the responsibility for making the service successful rests with all stakeholders. He said flydubai’s decision to connect Pokhara with Dubai reflects confidence in the destination and urged tourism businesses and other concerned parties to support the airline from their respective sectors. Pokharel added that the challenges that could emerge during the initial phase of the service should be addressed collectively and transformed into opportunities to strengthen Pokhara’s international tourism profile.
Flydubai Nepal General Manager Navaraj Shahi said fares for flights departing from Pokhara could be up to NPR 5,000 cheaper than comparable services from Kathmandu. He said flydubai currently provides direct connections to more than 120 destinations worldwide and encouraged NATTA-affiliated travel companies to actively support ticket sales and bookings for the Pokhara service. The airline is also expected to introduce discounts and other incentives for passengers and partner organizations as part of its promotional campaign for the new route.
Dubai Connection Opens Access to Global Destinations
During the interaction, flydubai Regional Manager for Southeast Asia Binod Abraham presented information about the airline’s network and services. Abraham said a successful Pokhara–Dubai operation could encourage other international airlines to consider launching services from Pokhara International Airport. He stressed that sustained cooperation among the airline, tourism industry, government agencies and local stakeholders would be essential to maintaining the service.
NATTA Gandaki President Sangeeta Poudel said the successful operation of the route would benefit not only tourism entrepreneurs but also other sectors of the national economy. She reaffirmed the commitment of Pokhara’s tourism community to provide the necessary support and cooperation to ensure the continuity of the international service. The flight is also expected to benefit residents of Gandaki Province and surrounding areas who travel abroad for employment, education and leisure. Through Dubai’s extensive international aviation network, passengers from Pokhara and neighboring areas will have more convenient connections to major global destinations, including London, New York and Tokyo, as well as more than 250 destinations worldwide through onward connections.
Extended Booking Signals Long-Term Potential
Pokhara Metropolitan City and flydubai recently reached an understanding to continue cooperation in tourism promotion, destination marketing and the expansion of international air connectivity, further strengthening efforts to promote Pokhara as an international tourism destination. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal had granted flydubai permission in May 2026 to operate daily Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flights.
The airline initially announced plans to operate one flight a day for one month. However, it has subsequently opened bookings through March 26, 2027, indicating a longer-term commitment to the route. The development came after the government highlighted international diplomatic initiatives in its current fiscal year policy and programme to attract international airlines to Pokhara International Airport. A direct connection with Dubai, one of the world’s major aviation transit hubs, is expected to strengthen Pokhara’s position within the international air transport network. It could also make it easier for international tourists to reach Pokhara directly, reducing reliance on Kathmandu as the primary gateway.
Tourism stakeholders expect the new route to support visitor arrivals to Pokhara and surrounding destinations while creating opportunities for increased trade, investment and broader economic activity. With various local organizations and tourism associations already showing strong interest in promoting the service, sustained cooperation from residents, tourism businesses, government agencies and the airline will be crucial to making the Pokhara–Dubai connection a stable and successful international route.
