flydubai to launch daily Dubai–Pokhara service, giving UAE companies direct access to Nepal’s tourism capital

Dubai-based LCC flydubai has unveiled its second Nepali destination: daily flights from Dubai International Terminal 3 to Pokhara International Airport starting 23 September 2026. Announced on 14 June, the route positions flydubai as the first carrier to offer non-stop UAE-Pokhara connectivity, bypassing congested Kathmandu and reducing total journey time by up to three hours. For UAE tour operators and project managers the new service opens smoother access to western Nepal, a region rich in adventure tourism, hydropower and construction projects where Emirati companies are increasingly active. Pokhara is also the gateway to the Annapurna trekking circuit, and direct air links are expected to boost outbound leisure travel from the Gulf during the winter peak as well as inbound Nepali labour flows ahead of Expo-related projects. Operationally, the flight will use flydubai’s 737-MAX 8 aircraft configured with a short-haul Business Class, enabling corporates to route MICE groups and small cargo loads (notably high-value perishables) with minimal trans-shipment risk. Because the service is codeshared with Emirates, passengers can connect onto the global Emirates network on a single ticket, an advantage for Nepali SMEs seeking markets beyond the Middle East. Pokhara International opened only in 2023 and suffers from limited hinterland access; flydubai says it is working with Nepali authorities on a bonded-cargo facility and on-airport visa desks to streamline arrival formalities. Travel buyers should note that introductory fares start at AED 1,100 return, but demand is expected to spike around the October trekking season, so advance allocations may be prudent. The route underscores flydubai’s strategy of linking underserved secondary cities to Dubai’s hub. With Pokhara on the map, the carrier will serve 136 destinations across 58 countries—a scale that gives UAE-based multinationals unparalleled reach into emerging markets via low-cost point-to-point services.