Kathmandu— Tourism entrepreneurs and business people in Pokhara, Nepal are actively working to secure the sustainability of a new direct flight between Pokhara and Dubai scheduled to begin on September 23. A recent meeting with Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Nepal, focused on ensuring regular service for the flydubai route, aiming to connect Pokhara directly to over 250 international destinations. The initiative comes as the Pokhara International Airport seeks to establish consistent commercial flights after limited success since its opening three years ago.

Efforts to Secure Flight Sustainability

The meeting between tourism representatives and Ambassador Al Shamsi centered on making the Pokhara-Dubai flight both effective and sustainable, according to Pom Narayan Shrestha, immediate past president of the Pokhara Tourism Council. Discussions involved exploring initiatives from all parties to guarantee regular flights on the route. Prior to this engagement, business leaders had already held talks with flydubai’s country representative.

Previous Flight Challenges

While the flydubai flight would represent the second commercial service from Pokhara International Airport, previous attempts at establishing consistent international routes have faced difficulties. Himalaya Airlines launched flights between Pokhara and Lhasa, China in March 2025, but that service is currently suspended due to low passenger numbers. Charter flights to destinations in China, India, and Bhutan have operated, but a regular schedule has remained elusive.

Economic Benefits Anticipated

The new Pokhara-Dubai route is expected to benefit passengers, the local business community, and Nepali citizens traveling for employment, education, or other purposes in countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond. Officials hope that a sustainable flight service will boost tourism activities in Pokhara, creating job opportunities and contributing to broader economic growth in Nepal. The government’s current fiscal year policies include diplomatic efforts to attract international airlines to utilize the Pokhara International Airport.

Flydubai has received permission from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to operate daily flights between Dubai and Pokhara and has opened ticket bookings through March 26, 2027. The success of this route will be closely watched as a key indicator of the airport’s potential.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.