flydubai has held discussions with tourism stakeholders in Pokhara ahead of launching daily Dubai–Pokhara flights on 23 September. The meeting focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the new international service, which is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, and global connectivity for Nepal’s second-largest city.
flydubai has met with tourism and business stakeholders in Pokhara to discuss strategies for ensuring the sustainability of its upcoming daily Dubai–Pokhara service, scheduled to commence on 23 September 2026.
The discussions, attended by representatives of the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Restaurant and Bar Association (REBAN) Pokhara, centred on building long-term support for the new international route.
Nawaraj Shahi, General Manager – Nepal, flydubai, said support from local stakeholders would be essential to ensure the service’s long-term success. He noted that the Dubai connection would provide travellers from Pokhara with seamless access to global destinations including London, New York, and Tokyo through the airline’s network.
Gokarna Karki, President, Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, assured the private sector’s full support to help make international operations from Pokhara International Airport sustainable.
The meeting follows the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s approval for flydubai to operate daily Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flights. The airline has already announced its flight schedule for the route.
The new service also aligns with the Nepal government’s policy for fiscal year 2083/84, which includes diplomatic efforts to attract more international airlines to Pokhara International Airport.
Tourism stakeholders in Pokhara expect the launch of scheduled international flights to boost foreign visitor arrivals and strengthen the city’s tourism economy.
Pokhara International Airport, which opened on 1 January 2023, has so far handled only domestic scheduled services alongside limited international charter operations. The launch of flydubai’s service will mark the airport’s first regular international scheduled connection.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk Middle East with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.
