Flydubai, Pokhara Tourism Stakeholders Discuss Long-Term Success of Dubai Flights

Representatives of Flydubai and tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara held discussions on Sunday to formulate strategies for the long-term sustainability of the airline's upcoming Pokhara–Dubai flight service, scheduled to begin on September 23. The meeting, attended by officials from the Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara, focused on strengthening collaboration between the airline and local stakeholders. Flydubai's Nepal General Manager, Nawaraj Shahi, said the success of the new international route would depend on strong local support and highlighted that the Dubai connection would provide travelers from Pokhara with seamless access to major global destinations, including London, New York, and Tokyo, through the airline's network. PCCI President Gokarna Karki assured the private sector's full support to help ensure the long-term success of international operations from Pokhara International Airport. The discussions come after the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) approved Flydubai's daily Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flights last month, following which the airline announced its official schedule. The new service aligns with the government's policy for fiscal year 2083/84, which prioritizes attracting international airlines to Pokhara International Airport through diplomatic initiatives. Tourism entrepreneurs believe the regular international flights will boost foreign tourist arrivals and unlock the airport's potential as a regional aviation hub. Inaugurated in January 2023 with an investment of around Rs 22 billion, the airport has so far handled only scheduled domestic flights and limited international charter services.