Flydubai, Pokhara Tourism Stakeholders Discuss Long-Term Sustainability of Dubai Flights

Representatives of Flydubai and tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara held discussions on Sunday to explore strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the upcoming Pokhara-Dubai flight service, which is scheduled to commence on September 23.

The meeting brought together officials from the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara, where Flydubai's Nepal General Manager, Nawaraj Shahi, shared updates on preparations and efforts being made to establish a reliable and sustainable international air service.

During the discussion, Shahi emphasized that the success of the new route would depend significantly on the support and cooperation of local stakeholders. He noted that the Dubai connection would provide travelers from Pokhara with convenient access to major international destinations, including London, New York and Tokyo, through Flydubai's network.

PCCI President Gokarna Karki assured that the private sector would extend full support to help ensure the long-term success of international flights operating from Pokhara International Airport.

Last month, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) granted Flydubai permission to operate daily Dubai-Pokhara-Dubai flights, following which the airline announced its official flight schedule.

The development comes after the government, through its policy and programme for the fiscal year 2083/84, pledged to pursue diplomatic initiatives aimed at attracting international airlines to Pokhara International Airport. Flydubai became one of the first international carriers to receive approval under that initiative.

Tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara have expressed optimism that the launch of regular international flights will significantly boost foreign tourist arrivals and strengthen the city's tourism industry.

Despite being inaugurated on January 1, 2023, Pokhara International Airport has so far operated only domestic scheduled flights, with limited charter services to a few international destinations. Built with an investment of around Rs 22 billion, the airport has yet to realize its full potential as an international aviation hub.