Flydubai has completed one month of regular international flight operations from Pokhara International Airport, marking a significant milestone for Nepal’s tourism and aviation sector. The Dubai-based airline began scheduled flights on the Pokhara–Dubai route on October 23, 2026, and has operated 30 flights during its first month of service.
According to Jagannath Niraula, General Manager of Pokhara International Airport Civil Aviation Office, a total of 6,362 passengers travelled on the route during the first month via Flydubai. Of them, 4,521 passengers flew from Dubai to Pokhara, while 1,841 passengers travelled from Pokhara to Dubai, indicating comparatively stronger inbound demand during the initial period.
Inbound Passenger Demand Encouraging
Niraula described the first month of regular international operations as encouraging, noting that passenger movement has increased during Nepal’s major festive season. The number of travellers arriving from Dubai has been particularly strong during Dashain and Tihar, while outbound passenger numbers have also started to rise.
He said sustained cooperation between the government and private sector would be essential to ensure that international flights from Pokhara become regular and sustainable in the long term. According to him, coordinated promotional initiatives are necessary to increase awareness and encourage travellers from Pokhara and the wider Gandaki Province to use the airport for international journeys.
Focus on Increasing Pokhara–Dubai Outbound Traffic
Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya also described the first month of Flydubai’s regular operation as encouraging, while stressing the need to increase the number of passengers travelling from Pokhara to Dubai. Acharya thanked Flydubai’s management team for opening ticket bookings for the Pokhara–Dubai service until October 2027, saying the extended booking period provides an opportunity to strengthen the route and build long-term passenger demand.
“Although the number of passengers travelling from Dubai to Pokhara is encouraging, increasing the number of passengers travelling from Pokhara to Dubai will make the service more effective and sustainable,” Acharya said.
Private Sector Urged to Use Pokhara as International Gateway
Acharya has urged residents of Pokhara and Gandaki Province, tourism entrepreneurs, travel companies, hotel operators, industrialists and other private-sector stakeholders to make greater use of the international service from Pokhara. He encouraged individuals, families, businesses and institutions to begin their international travel from Pokhara wherever possible. He also called on travel companies and tourism businesses to develop travel packages departing from Pokhara for international destinations.
According to Acharya, travellers can access more than 300 destinations worldwide through Flydubai and its partner airline Emirates on a single-ticket arrangement. He therefore urged travellers to consider Pokhara not only as a gateway to Dubai but also as a convenient departure point for connecting to cities and destinations across the world.
Expectations for Tourism and Regional Economic Growth
The resumption of regular international flights from Pokhara is expected to improve the utilisation of Pokhara International Airport and generate wider economic benefits for the region. Increased international connectivity could support tourism, trade, employment and business activity while strengthening Pokhara’s position as an international gateway to Gandaki Province.
The regular service also comes at a significant time for the airport, which had struggled to attract sustained international operations after its inauguration. Pokhara International Airport was inaugurated on January 1, 2023, but remained largely dependent on domestic flights for an extended period, apart from occasional international charter services.
Flydubai Service Raises International Aviation Prospects
The launch of Flydubai’s regular service has renewed expectations that Pokhara International Airport can attract additional international airlines. The operation has demonstrated initial passenger demand on the Dubai route and has also generated greater interest in expanding international connectivity from Nepal’s tourism capital.
With continued promotional efforts, increased outbound passenger demand and greater participation from tourism and business stakeholders, authorities expect the Pokhara–Dubai service to develop into a sustainable international route and encourage other airlines to consider operating from Pokhara International Airport.
