Pokhara is set to gain its first direct air connection to the Middle East as Flydubai prepares to launch daily flights on the Pokhara–Dubai route starting September 23. The service will operate on a trial basis for one month, marking a significant milestone for Pokhara International Airport. The airline has received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to operate scheduled flights until October 24 as part of an initial assessment phase.
Daily Operations of Flydubai with Boeing 737 Aircraft
According to CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul, Flydubai will operate daily flights using Boeing 737 aircraft with a seating capacity of 166 passengers. The flight will depart Dubai International Airport and land at Pokhara International Airport at around 6:15 PM daily, while the return flight from Pokhara will depart at approximately 7:15 PM. The total flight duration is estimated to be around five hours. “This is a test operation for one month. Based on passenger demand, operational performance, and market response, future expansion will be decided,” Bhul said.
Strategic Test Phase for Long-Term Expansion
Officials confirmed that the one-month operation will serve as a promotional and feasibility study to evaluate passenger demand and route viability. Flydubai already operates multiple weekly flights between Kathmandu and Dubai, but this will be the airline’s first direct international service to Pokhara. CAAN officials stated that the service is being operated under existing bilateral air service agreements between Nepal and the UAE.
Major Boost for Pokhara’s Tourism Ambitions
Authorities believe the new route will play a crucial role in positioning Pokhara as a major international tourism hub. “This direct connection will link Pokhara directly with the Middle East aviation network, which is highly significant for Nepal’s tourism growth,” CAAN spokesperson Bhul added.
Pokhara Airport officials also noted that after the suspension of Himalayan Airlines’ Pokhara–Lhasa route in March 2026, the airport currently has no regular international flights. Airport Chief Jagannath Niroula said the new Dubai connection would restore Pokhara’s international presence. “Linking Pokhara with the Middle East will significantly expand its tourism reach and global accessibility,” he said.
Industry Stakeholders See Global Opportunities
Tourism stakeholders have expressed optimism that the new route could open access to over 250 global destinations via Dubai’s international aviation network. Former President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pom Narayan Shrestha, said the connection could bring long-haul tourists from Europe, America, and other regions through Dubai transit.
“This is a historic opportunity for Pokhara. If successfully operated, it can transform Nepal’s tourism landscape,” he said. Similarly, Pokhara Tourism Board Director Maniraj Lamichhane stated that Dubai’s status as a global aviation hub would significantly enhance Pokhara’s international visibility and connectivity.
A Step Toward Expanding Nepal’s Aviation Network through Flydubai
Although attempts to connect Pokhara with India and Bhutan have not yet materialized, officials believe the Dubai route could pave the way for further international expansion. With Flydubai’s aircraft already familiarizing operations in Nepal, aviation authorities are hopeful that successful test flights will lead to long-term scheduled services, strengthening Pokhara’s position as a key international gateway for western Nepal.
