Tourism entrepreneurs urge UAE ambassador to support direct Pokhara-Dubai flight service

GANDAKI: Tourism entrepreneurs and business leaders from Pokhara have urged the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Nepal to support the sustained operation of an upcoming direct flight service between Pokhara and Dubai.

A delegation met UAE Ambassador Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi to call for steps ensuring that the Pokhara-Dubai-Pokhara route remains regular and commercially viable. The flights are scheduled to begin on 23 September.

Pom Narayan Shrestha, immediate past president of Pokhara Tourism Council, stated that talks focused on joint efforts from all stakeholders to guarantee continuous flight operations.

The delegation included former Nepal Tourism Board member Basudev Tripathi, Hotel Association Pokhara President Laxman Subedi, and Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Gokarna Karki, alongside other industry figures. Business representatives had previously held discussions with flydubai's country representative.

Once active, the flydubai service will connect Pokhara directly with more than 250 global destinations, including London, New York, and Tokyo. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has authorised flydubai to operate daily flights on the route, with ticket bookings available through March 26, 2027.

The Nepali government's policies and programmes for the current fiscal year include diplomatic initiatives aimed at attracting foreign airlines to Pokhara International Airport. Although the airport opened three years ago, regular international operations have yet to take firm root.

Himalaya Airlines launched regular commercial flights between Pokhara and Lhasa in March 2025, but the route was suspended due to low passenger numbers. The flydubai link will mark the second commercial service from the airport, which has otherwise hosted charter flights to China, India, and Bhutan.

Local business leaders highlighted that direct connectivity will bring international travellers straight to Pokhara. They noted that the service will assist passengers, the local business sector, and members of the Nepali diaspora travelling to Gulf nations and other overseas destinations for employment, education, and personal reasons, while aiding tourism, job creation, and the wider national economy.

By RSS