Nepal Travel Breakthrough as flydubai Becomes First Airline to Launch International Pokhara Flights

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Nepal Travel Milestone as flydubai Launches First Scheduled International Flights to Pokhara. flydubai has expanded its Nepal network with the launch of the first direct flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Pokhara International Airport (PHH), creating a new international gateway for travellers visiting western Nepal. The daily non-stop service strengthens air connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Nepal while opening easier access to Pokhara, one of the country’s leading destinations for adventure, nature and mountain tourism.

The new route marks flydubai’s second destination in Nepal after Kathmandu and highlights the airline’s continued expansion across South Asia. Pokhara’s addition to the network provides international visitors with a more convenient travel option to reach the Annapurna region, reducing reliance on onward domestic connections and supporting the growth of Nepal’s tourism economy.

New Dubai Pokhara Route Opens Direct Access To Nepal’s Adventure Capital

Pokhara is widely recognised as Nepal’s adventure tourism centre, attracting travellers seeking trekking, mountain experiences, outdoor activities and scenic escapes. Positioned close to the Annapurna Mountain range, the city serves as a major starting point for visitors exploring some of Nepal’s most famous natural landscapes.

The introduction of direct flights from Dubai gives travellers from the UAE and connecting markets improved access to this popular destination. The daily service creates a stronger link between Nepal’s western tourism region and Dubai, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

With Pokhara joining its Nepal network, flydubai has increased its total operations to the country to 35 weekly flights. The airline continues to operate multiple daily services between Dubai and Kathmandu, further strengthening connections for both leisure and business travellers.

flydubai Strengthens South Asia Network Through Expanded Nepal Operations

The Pokhara launch forms part of flydubai’s wider strategy to improve connectivity between Dubai and emerging international markets. The airline has continued to expand routes across South Asia, connecting passengers to destinations that support tourism, trade and economic links.

flydubai currently operates flights to 20 destinations across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. With more than 380 weekly flights across the region, the airline has developed an extensive network connecting South Asian markets with Dubai.

The carrier’s operations in Nepal have grown significantly since the introduction of flights to Kathmandu in 2009. Over the years, flydubai has carried more than 4.5 million passengers between Dubai and Nepal, with many travellers continuing their journeys through Dubai to destinations across the airline’s global network.

Dubai’s position as an international transit hub has played an important role in connecting Nepal with markets across Europe, Asia and the Americas. The addition of Pokhara further enhances these opportunities by providing travellers with another entry point into Nepal.

Inaugural Flight Marks New Chapter For Nepal UAE Travel Links

The first flydubai flight between Dubai and Pokhara departed from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport on 23 September. Upon arrival at Pokhara International Airport, the aircraft received a ceremonial water cannon salute, marking the beginning of the new international service.

The launch represents an important development for Pokhara’s aviation connectivity and supports Nepal’s efforts to attract more international visitors. Improved direct air access can help increase tourism flows, encourage longer stays and create new opportunities for local businesses linked to hospitality, transport and travel services.

The new route also strengthens the connection between two destinations with growing tourism importance. Dubai continues to serve as a major global travel hub, while Pokhara offers travellers access to Nepal’s mountains, cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.

Emirates Codeshare Expands Global Connections From Pokhara

Travel flying on the new Pokhara service will benefit from flydubai’s codeshare partnership with Emirates. Through this partnership, passengers can access more than 140 destinations across Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai.

The partnership allows customers to book journeys on a single ticket while enjoying convenient baggage transfers when connecting between flights. This creates smoother travel experiences for visitors travelling beyond Dubai to international destinations.

Among the popular onward destinations available through flydubai connections are Bucharest, Dammam, Jeddah, Muscat and Riyadh. Emirates’ wider network also provides access to major global markets including Larnaca, Lisbon, London, New York and Vienna.

The expansion into Pokhara demonstrates the growing importance of regional connectivity in supporting international tourism. By linking western Nepal directly with Dubai, flydubai is creating new travel opportunities for visitors while strengthening Nepal’s position within global tourism networks.

The new Dubai Pokhara service is expected to play a key role in improving accessibility to one of Nepal’s most attractive destinations, offering travellers a faster and more convenient route to explore the country’s mountain landscapes and adventure experiences.