Flydubai Expands Nepal Operations, Launches Daily Direct Flights Between Dubai and Pokhara From September 2026

Written By: Bishal Deb

Bishal Deb

I am pursuing a career in travel journalism with Travel And Tour World, focusing on global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination developments. Passionate about uncovering stories that shape the future of travel, I specialise in researching and reporting on airline expansions, airport growth, tourism trends, and emerging destinations. Through detailed analysis and engaging storytelling, I aim to deliver informative and impactful travel news to global audiences while exploring the evolving dynamics of the worldwide tourism industry.

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June 13, 2026 03:20 GMT+5:30

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Flydubai is expanding its Nepal operations by launching daily direct flights between Dubai and Pokhara from September 2026, driven by growing demand for travel between the UAE and Nepal and the increasing popularity of Pokhara as a major tourism and adventure destination. The new service will make Pokhara the airline’s second destination in Nepal after Kathmandu, improve international access to the Annapurna region, create more travel options for business and leisure passengers, and strengthen economic and tourism ties between the two countries while enhancing Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub.

Flydubai is preparing to broaden its footprint in Nepal with the launch of a new daily service connecting Dubai and Pokhara from 23 September 2026. The addition will make Pokhara the carrier’s second destination in the Himalayan nation after Kathmandu and represents another step in the airline’s ongoing network expansion strategy across South Asia.

The new route will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport and will be available through the Flydubai–Emirates codeshare partnership. This arrangement is expected to provide travelers with greater flexibility and seamless access to a wide range of international destinations through Dubai, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

According to the planned schedule, flights will depart Dubai at midday and arrive in Pokhara during the evening. The return journey will leave Pokhara shortly afterward and reach Dubai later the same night. The schedule has been designed to support convenient connections for passengers traveling onward to destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia.

The introduction of direct flights to Pokhara is expected to strengthen tourism and business links between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates while creating a new gateway for international visitors. Until now, Kathmandu has served as the primary entry point for most international travelers visiting Nepal. The new service offers an additional option and could help distribute tourism traffic more evenly across the country.

Pokhara holds a significant position within Nepal’s tourism industry. Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, the city is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, lakeside attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. It serves as the main access point for visitors heading to the Annapurna region, one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations.

Adventure tourism remains a major driver of Pokhara’s appeal. The city attracts travelers seeking activities such as trekking, paragliding, zip-lining, mountain biking, and boating. Its growing tourism infrastructure and international airport have increased its importance as a destination capable of welcoming visitors directly from overseas markets.

The new route is expected to benefit not only leisure travelers but also Nepalese expatriates living and working in the Gulf region. Improved connectivity between the UAE and western Nepal may reduce travel times and provide more convenient options for families, business travelers, and tourists.

Flydubai has maintained operations in Nepal for more than a decade and a half. Since entering the market in 2009, the airline has steadily expanded its services in response to growing passenger demand. Over the years, millions of travelers have used Flydubai flights to travel between Nepal and Dubai, helping strengthen economic, cultural, and tourism ties between the two countries.

The Pokhara launch comes during a period of broader network growth for the carrier. Throughout 2026, Flydubai has continued to add destinations aimed at improving connectivity across emerging and underserved markets. New routes planned for the year include services to Benghazi in Libya and Bangkok in Thailand, reflecting the airline’s focus on expanding its international reach.

Beyond route development, the airline has also increased cooperation with partner carriers. Recent agreements have expanded travel options across multiple regions, allowing passengers to access a larger network through a single booking. These partnerships complement the airline’s existing codeshare arrangements and strengthen its position within the international aviation market.

Flydubai’s recent growth has been supported by strong passenger demand. The carrier achieved its highest annual passenger numbers in 2025, carrying 15.7 million travelers across its network. Growth was particularly strong in premium travel segments, reflecting rising demand for enhanced onboard products and services.

To support future expansion plans, the airline is scheduled to receive seven new Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft in 2026. The additions will provide extra capacity, improve operational efficiency, and enable further network development in key markets.

Flydubai is expanding its Nepal operations with daily direct flights between Dubai and Pokhara from September 2026 to meet growing travel demand, improve access to Nepal’s leading tourism region, and strengthen connectivity between the UAE and Nepal.

The launch of direct flights to Pokhara marks an important milestone for both Flydubai and Nepal’s tourism sector. By creating a direct connection between Dubai and one of Nepal’s most visited destinations, the new service is expected to boost visitor arrivals, improve regional accessibility, and strengthen international travel links at a time when demand for tourism and air connectivity continues to grow.