POKHARA, Sept 23: Flydubai is set to begin regular flights on the Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai route today, raising hopes among local tourism operators, businesses and residents for sustained international service at Pokhara International Airport.
The airport opened on January 1, 2023, but has struggled to maintain regular international flights. General Manager Jagannath Niraula said all preparations and infrastructure arrangements for the new service were complete.
The aircraft is scheduled to land in Pokhara at 6:15 pm on Wednesday and depart for Dubai with passengers at 7:15 pm. It will receive a water cannon salute on arrival.
Flydubai conducting technical study for Pokhara–Dubai flight
“We have been waiting for this day,” Niraula said. “Some airlines operated international flights after the airport opened, but those services did not continue. We are excited that daily flights to Dubai are now set to begin.”
He said the airport was ready to provide immigration, customs and cargo services. Local tourism operators and businesspeople also plan to welcome arriving passengers and see off departing travellers with ceremonial scarves and garlands.
Hari Bhandari, chief of the Pokhara Airport Customs Office, said preparations were complete for revenue collection, passenger clearance and import and export procedures.
Pomanarayan Shrestha, a former president of the Pokhara Tourism Council, said Dubai’s role as a global transit hub and Flydubai’s network of more than 120 destinations could help sustain the route. He added that direct flights from Pokhara would make travel easier for Nepalis heading to Dubai for work or study.
The district security committee has inspected the airport ahead of the launch. Chief District Officer Kuman Singh Gurung said all necessary security arrangements were in place.
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