Flydubai to Launch Daily Pokhara-Dubai Flights from September 23
Kathmandu, June 10: Flydubai is set to begin daily direct flights between Pokhara and Dubai from September 23, marking the first direct air connection between Pokhara and the Middle East.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the airline has received approval to operate the route on a trial basis until October 24. The service will use Boeing 737 aircraft with a capacity of 166 passengers.
CAAN spokesperson Gyanendra Bhul said the flight will arrive at Pokhara International Airport at around 6:15 pm and depart for Dubai at about 7:15 pm. The journey is expected to take around five hours.
Officials said the one-month operation will serve as a feasibility and promotional test to assess passenger demand and the route’s commercial viability.
The new service will be Flydubai’s first direct international flight to Pokhara, although the airline already operates flights between Kathmandu and Dubai.
Authorities believe the route will strengthen Pokhara’s position as an international tourism destination by connecting the city directly to Dubai, a major global aviation hub.
Pokhara International Airport currently has no regular international flights following the suspension of the Pokhara-Lhasa service in March this year. Airport Chief Jagannath Niroula said the Dubai connection would help restore the airport’s international operations and expand tourism opportunities.
Tourism stakeholders have welcomed the move, expressing hope that the route will improve access for international visitors and pave the way for additional international services in the future.
