Flydubai Secures Approval for Daily Pokhara-Dubai Flights From September 23

Flydubai has received approval to operate direct daily flights between Pokhara and Dubai, a development expected to significantly enhance international air connectivity from Pokhara International Airport.

According to Pokhara International Airport General Manager Jagannath Niraula, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal approved the flight schedule on Monday, allowing the Dubai-based carrier to begin daily operations from September 23.

“The flight schedule has already been approved. Daily Pokhara-Dubai flights will commence from September 23,” Niraula said.

Before receiving the approval, a technical team from Flydubai conducted a comprehensive assessment of the airport’s security, safety, and operational readiness to ensure compliance with international standards.

Welcoming the decision, Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya described the launch of the service as a major milestone for Nepal’s third international airport. He said the direct connection with Dubai would provide travelers from Pokhara access to more than 300 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, and other regions through Flydubai’s network and connections.

Mayor Acharya also expressed confidence that the new route would help boost tourism, facilitate international travel, and reduce congestion at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport.

Pokhara International Airport, which was inaugurated in January 2023 with an investment of around Rs 22 billion, has so far witnessed limited international operations despite being designated as an international gateway. While Himalaya Airlines briefly operated flights on the Pokhara-Lhasa route in 2025, the service was later suspended.

Tourism stakeholders have long advocated for regular international flights from Pokhara, arguing that the city has already attracted nearly Rs 100 billion in tourism-related investments. They have also called for the expansion of direct air links to major destinations in India and China.

The commencement of Flydubai’s daily service is expected to strengthen Pokhara’s position as a key tourism and aviation hub while improving Nepal’s international connectivity.