Flydubai conducting technical study for Pokhara–Dubai flight

POKHARA, June 5: The Flydubai team that is conducting a feasibility study on operating direct flights between Pokhara and Dubai has intensified its engagement with stakeholders in Pokhara.

A technical team led by Flydubai Vice President for Risk Management Adrian Lucas recently carried out an extensive on-site inspection and high-level discussions at Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA). Sources at the airport said the delegation held detailed discussions with the airport’s General Manager Jagannath Niraula along with the technical team of the airport authority, followed by a comprehensive field inspection.

During the inspection, the team closely examined the airport’s runway, security system, technical infrastructure, and various aspects related to flight operations.

After the inspection, the delegation also met with Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya. Vice President Lucas stated that PRIA is fully safe and capable from both technical and security perspectives for regular international flights. He further expressed that he was highly impressed by the infrastructure and overall readiness of the airport, adding that Flydubai is interested in launching daily direct flights on the Pokhara–Dubai sector.

“We have discussed the technical and security aspects of the airport. We have seen that Pokhara Regional International Airport is fully safe and ready for regular operations,” he said. He added that once Flydubai flights begin from Pokhara, the city’s connectivity will be directly linked to the global network, expanding direct air access to hundreds of destinations.

Mayor Acharya said that following long-standing efforts they have now reached a stage where a regular flight schedule is expected to be announced soon. He said Flydubai’s interest and the progress made so far have added new enthusiasm among residents of Pokhara and tourism entrepreneurs. He also emphasized that Flydubai’s daily flights will play a crucial role in connecting Pokhara directly to global markets.

If the flight becomes operational, it is expected to end the necessity for residents of Gandaki Province to travel to Kathmandu for foreign employment, business, and travel purposes, while also opening direct access for tourists from Middle Eastern countries and around the world to visit Pokhara.

According to the Chief of Pokhara Regional International Airport, Jagannath Niraula, the proposed flight would significantly expand Pokhara’s international connectivity. He stated that the airline is currently studying airport services and facilities, and if all conditions are favorable, flights could begin from September.

“The process is moving forward. There is a possibility of flights starting from September. The exact frequency has not yet been finalized,” Niroula said. He said that discussions are progressing positively and that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is also taking supportive initiatives.

Currently, only domestic flights are being operated regularly from Pokhara International Airport. Himalaya Airlines had until a few months ago been operating regular scheduled flights from Pokhara to Lhasa, China, making it the first airline to operate regular international flights from Pokhara 27 months after the airport became operational. However, Himalaya Airlines’ Pokhara–Lhasa flights, which began in March 2025, were suspended from March 23, 2026.

In addition, Sichuan Airlines has been operating occasional chartered flights on the Chengdu–Pokhara sector.

“At present, there are no regular international flights. After the suspension of Himalaya’s service, the international connectivity of Pokhara Regional International Airport has temporarily halted,” Niroula said. “If the Pokhara–Dubai flight begins, Pokhara’s connectivity will extend into Middle Eastern skies. Linking Pokhara with the Middle East will bring a significant boost to the tourism sector.”

Former President of the Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) Pomnarayan Shrestha said Flydubai’s proposed operation would hold significant importance for Nepal’s tourism sector. “Efforts are being made to connect Pokhara with Dubai through Flydubai. We expect a flight schedule soon,” he said. “If this service begins, Pokhara’s tourism will take a major leap forward.” He also noted that the tourism sector has been working for a long time to facilitate this development.