Key Takeaways:

• Flydubai has launched regular flights on the Dubai-Pokhara-Dubai route
• The service marks a significant step for Pokhara International Airport, which has struggled to attract sustained international operations since opening in 2023.
• Officials and tourism stakeholders believe the route will strengthen tourism, transit connectivity and overseas travel options
• Security, immigration, customs and passenger-handling arrangements have been completed for regular international operations

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 23 Flydubai has begun regular flights on the Dubai-Pokhara-Dubai route from Pokhara International Airport from today. The service is likely to benefit Nepali migrant workers, students and other travellers flying between Nepal and the Gulf region. The Dubai-based government-owned airline is scheduled to land in Pokhara at 6:15 pm and depart for Dubai with passengers at 7:15 pm. Airport authorities have scheduled a traditional water-cannon salute for the inaugural arrival, while tourism entrepreneurs and business representatives prepared to welcome arriving passengers and bid farewell to departing travellers with khadas and flower garlands. Pokhara International Airport, which came into operation on January 1, 2023, has yet to establish regular international air services despite hosting several international flights in the past. Most earlier services were not continued on a sustained basis. Airport General Manager Jagannath Niraula said all necessary infrastructure and operational arrangements for international flights, including immigration, customs, cargo handling and passenger services, have been completed. Former Pokhara Tourism Council chair Pom Narayan Shrestha said the new route could significantly improve Pokhara's international accessibility. He noted that Dubai is one of the world's major aviation transit hubs, offering connections to a wide range of international destinations through Flydubai's network of more than 120 destinations. Meanwhile, officials said the District Security Committee has inspected the airport and put the required security measures in place to support regular international flight operations.