Flydubai launches daily flights to Pokhara, expanding UAE–Nepal air links
Flydubai launches daily Dubai-Pokhara flights from Sept 23, becoming the first UAE carrier to serve Pokhara and boosting tourism and trade with western Nepal.
Flydubai will begin daily flights to Pokhara International Airport from Dubai on September 23, marking the carrier’s first direct service to the city and its second destination in Nepal. The new Flydubai Pokhara flights will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International, providing a direct connection for business travellers, tourists and expatriate communities. The move makes Flydubai the first airline from the United Arab Emirates to offer non-stop access to Pokhara, a major hub for adventure and eco-tourism.
Flydubai to operate daily Dubai–Pokhara service
The airline confirmed the new Dubai–Pokhara link will be scheduled as a daily service, integrating Pokhara into its existing Nepal network. Flights will complement the carrier’s long-standing service to Kathmandu and open another gateway to the region. Operating from Dubai International’s Terminal 3 will offer passengers streamlined transfer options to Flydubai’s network and wider connections through Dubai.
Service launch date and airport details
Operations are due to commence on September 23, with departures handled at Terminal 3, the airline said in its announcement. Pokhara International is the gateway to western Nepal and lies close to the Annapurna range, attracting trekkers and adventure tourists. By flying directly into Pokhara, international visitors will gain faster access to trekking routes, lakeside resorts and regional business centres.
Expansion strengthens Flydubai’s presence in Nepal since 2009
Flydubai has served Nepal since 2009 and has steadily expanded capacity to match growing travel demand between the two countries. The carrier reported it has transported roughly four million passengers to Nepal over that period, and seat capacity has increased more than twelvefold since launch. Adding Pokhara underscores Flydubai’s long-term commitment to the Nepali market and the UAE–Nepal travel corridor.
Expected boost to western Nepal tourism and economy
Direct flights to Pokhara are expected to stimulate inbound tourism to western Nepal by shortening travel times and removing the need for domestic connections. Travel industry stakeholders say improved international access typically lifts hotel bookings, guided-trek departures and ancillary services such as ground transport and hospitality. Local economies around Pokhara, which rely heavily on tourism and related businesses, stand to benefit from higher visitor volumes and more frequent international schedules.
Capacity and seasonal adjustments for Kathmandu and Pokhara routes
Flydubai has previously adjusted frequencies seasonally on its Kathmandu route, operating up to five daily flights at peak times to accommodate demand. The carrier’s network planning suggests Pokhara will be added alongside those seasonal adjustments to balance capacity across Nepal. The airline’s expanded seat availability aims to serve business travellers, tourists and families visiting friends and relatives, particularly during high season.
Executive remarks and strategic outlook
Flydubai’s leadership framed the Pokhara launch as part of a broader strategy to leverage Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub. Company executives highlighted the importance of strengthening trade and tourism ties between the United Arab Emirates and Nepal while citing Dubai’s connectivity benefits for onward travel. The carrier signalled that the new route will create fresh options for both leisure travellers seeking direct access to Nepal’s adventure destinations and for commercial passengers using Dubai as a transfer point.
The introduction of daily Flydubai Pokhara flights adds a significant direct route between the UAE and western Nepal, representing both a commercial expansion for the airline and a practical improvement for travellers. As bookings open and schedules are finalised, stakeholders in tourism and transport will be watching for early indicators of passenger uptake and economic impact.
