Kathmandu-Flydubai has announced the launch of daily direct flights between Dubai and Pokhara, marking the airline’s second destination in Nepal and the first regular direct air service connecting the UAE with Pokhara International Airport.

The Dubai-based carrier said the new service will commence on September 23, 2026, strengthening air connectivity between Nepal and the Gulf region while supporting tourism and trade.

With the launch, Flydubai will become the first airline to operate scheduled direct flights between the United Arab Emirates and Pokhara. The airline has been serving Kathmandu since 2009 and says it has carried nearly four million passengers to and from Nepal over the past 17 years.

Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith described Nepal as an important market for the airline and said the expansion to Pokhara would further strengthen tourism, business ties and people-to-people connections between Nepal and the UAE. He said the airline was proud to provide greater accessibility and connectivity through Dubai’s global aviation hub.

Sudhir Sreedharan, Divisional Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations at Flydubai, said the new route would offer passengers more travel options and a convenient journey experience. According to him, the service is aimed at meeting growing demand from travellers connecting through the UAE, the Gulf region, the Middle East, Europe and Flydubai’s wider international network.

Nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara is one of Nepal’s leading tourism destinations and a gateway for adventure activities. The airline said the direct service is expected to contribute to tourism promotion, economic activity and international connectivity in western Nepal.

The route will operate under the codeshare partnership between Flydubai and Emirates, allowing passengers to benefit from a single ticket, through-check-in of baggage and seamless access to an extensive global network.

Under the announced schedule, Flight FZ1165 will depart Dubai at 12:00 pm and arrive in Pokhara at 6:15 pm local time. The return flight, FZ1166, will leave Pokhara at 7:15 pm and land in Dubai at 10:00 pm local time.

Flydubai said the new service reflects its long-term commitment to Nepal and its confidence in the tourism and economic potential of Pokhara International Airport.