KATHMANDU: Flydubai is set to commence direct flights between Pokhara and Dubai starting Sept. 23. According to the flight schedule, the airline’s aircraft is expected to land at Pokhara International Airport at 6:15 p.m. on the inaugural day. Airport information officer Binod Singh Rawat confirmed that the aircraft and its passengers will be welcomed with a water salute upon arrival.
The service will operate daily using Airbus 319 and 320 aircraft, which have seating capacities ranging from 140 to 180 passengers. The scheduled departure from Pokhara to Dubai is set for 7:15 p.m. daily. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal granted flight permission to Flydubai on June 8.
Flydubai’s Nepal General Manager, Navraj Shahi, stated that ticket prices for flights from Pokhara are up to Rs 5,000 cheaper than those from Kathmandu. Through a strategic codeshare agreement with Emirates, passengers will be able to travel to various global destinations on a single ticket. The airline has already opened bookings through March 26, 2027.
Tourism entrepreneurs in the region have expressed optimism regarding the new service. Hari Bhujel, president of the Pokhara Tourism Council, noted that the flights are expected to provide significant benefits to the local tourism sector.
Additionally, the Pokhara Metropolitan City has entered into an understanding with the airline to collaborate on destination marketing and tourism promotion. This marks the second commercial international service from Pokhara International Airport, following a previously launched, but currently suspended, service to Lhasa by Himalaya Airlines in March 2025.
