flydubai’s Pokhara service opens access to five continents, Sparks tourism industry optimism

KATHMANDU: Tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara have welcomed the expansion of flydubai’s international flight network from Pokhara, saying the airline’s scheduled operations will significantly improve the city’s global connectivity and boost international tourist arrivals.

The optimism follows the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s approval for flydubai to operate daily scheduled flights between Dubai and Pokhara beginning September 23, following coordinated efforts by the government and the private sector.

In anticipation of the service, tourism-related businesses in Pokhara have announced a series of promotional offers targeting passengers arriving on flydubai flights.

The Regional Hotel Association Pokhara has decided to provide a 25 percent discount on accommodation to passengers arriving in Pokhara through flydubai, according to the association’s President Laxman Subedi.

Subedi said the association has already signed agreements with 25 member hotels to implement the discount scheme, while discussions are underway with additional hotels to expand the offer.

He said previous international airline services to Pokhara were commercial charter operations, whereas flydubai’s scheduled daily flights are expected to bring a more sustainable flow of international visitors.

“This regular commercial operation will have a positive impact on Pokhara’s tourism industry. The flight, made possible through the joint efforts of the government and private sector, is significant not only for Pokhara but also for Nepal’s overall tourism sector,” he said.

The Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara has also introduced promotional offers for incoming visitors.

REBAN Pokhara President Bishwo Raj Paudel said passengers presenting a flydubai boarding pass will receive a 10 percent discount on restaurant services for six months following the commencement of flights.

According to him, agreements have already been reached with 25 restaurants, including establishments serving traditional Nepali cuisine, multi-cuisine restaurants, clubs, bars and coffee shops.

“The Pokhara International Airport has long awaited regular international commercial flights. flydubai’s scheduled service is expected to expand our access to the global tourism market,” Paudel said.

Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province Chief Mani Lamichhane said the direct international connectivity is expected to attract higher-spending international tourists to Pokhara.

“Visitors with greater spending capacity will now have direct access to Pokhara. This flight will strengthen international connectivity to the destination,” Lamichhane said.

He added that new hotels have been constructed in destinations such as Baglung, Bandipur, Mustang and Ghandruk, largely in anticipation of regular international operations from Pokhara International Airport.

Lamichhane also said several tourism-related organizations and service providers operating in Pokhara are preparing additional promotional packages and discounts to coincide with the launch of the flights.

Pokhara International Airport General Manager Jagannath Niraula said the commencement of flydubai’s scheduled service is expected to encourage other international airlines to consider operating flights to Pokhara.

“Following flydubai’s regular commercial operations, other international carriers are also likely to be encouraged to launch services. We have received information that some airlines have begun feasibility studies for international operations to Pokhara. The process will move forward once formal proposals are submitted,” he said.

flydubai is scheduled to begin seven weekly flights between Dubai and Pokhara from September 23.

The airline said passengers travelling from Pokhara via Dubai will be able to connect to destinations in North America, Europe and other international markets through Emirates’ codeshare network.

According to the airline, flydubai currently operates flights to 135 destinations in 58 countries, while its codeshare partner Emirates serves 140 destinations across 70 countries.

The airline said the Pokhara service will connect the city to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and Africa through its own network and codeshare connections.

Universal Tours and Travel serves as flydubai’s General Sales Agent (GSA) in Nepal.

flydubai currently operates a fleet of 97 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and said it has placed orders for more than 300 additional aircraft for delivery by 2031 as part of its long-term fleet expansion strategy.

The airline also said it has recently introduced a full-service onboard offering, allowing passengers purchasing eligible fares to receive meals, beverages and inflight entertainment as part of their travel experience.