Fly Dubai Eyes Pokhara: A Potential New Gateway for Nepal Tourism

Fly Dubai is exploring the possibility of launching international flights between Dubai and Pokhara, a move that could give Nepal’s tourism sector a major lift while opening a new route for trade and travel.

The discussion took place when Fly Dubai’s Vice President of Aviation Safety, Adrian Lucaj, met Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya on Tuesday to talk about potential operations from Pokhara International Airport.

A possible direct link between Dubai and Pokhara

According to the reports, Fly Dubai expressed interest in starting regular international flights to Pokhara as part of a broader effort to strengthen tourism and commercial ties. A direct Dubai-Pokhara route would be especially significant for travelers coming from the Gulf region and beyond, while also making Pokhara more accessible to international visitors.

Mayor Acharya reportedly assured the delegation that the local government would provide the necessary coordination and support to help facilitate regular flights from Pokhara International Airport.

Why Pokhara matters

Pokhara is one of Nepal’s biggest tourism hubs, known for its mountain views, lakes, and adventure travel. A direct international connection could reduce reliance on Kathmandu and create a more convenient entry point for travelers heading to western Nepal.

For airlines, Pokhara also represents a strategic opportunity. Better air connectivity can help attract higher passenger volumes, improve route viability, and support business links tied to tourism, hospitality, and regional trade.

What this could mean for Nepal

If the route moves forward, it could mark another step in expanding Pokhara International Airport’s role in Nepal’s aviation network. It would also signal growing airline interest in Nepal beyond the capital, which has long dominated international air traffic.

The proposal comes at a time when Nepal continues to seek stronger aviation links to support tourism growth and regional development. A Dubai-Pokhara service would fit neatly into that goal by connecting a major global transit hub with one of Nepal’s most important destination cities.

What happens next

For now, the discussions appear to be exploratory, with no formal launch announced. But the fact that Fly Dubai is actively engaging with Pokhara officials suggests the airport remains on the airline’s radar as a potential international destination.

If the talks progress, the next steps would likely involve route planning, regulatory coordination, and operational assessments to determine whether scheduled flights can be launched sustainably.