Pokhara saw its first direct flight from Dubai land this week. flydubai's Boeing 737 MAX touched down with 153 passengers on board. The new daily service puts Pokhara on the map for UAE travelers and marks a big step for the airline's Nepal network. Republica and The Kathmandu Post both reported strong demand for the inaugural flight.
With Pokhara added, flydubai now flies to two cities in Nepal. Kathmandu remains the other stop. The airline now runs 35 flights a week to Nepal-one daily to Pokhara and four daily to Kathmandu. This is the first direct air link between Dubai and Western Nepal. The UAE is pushing for closer ties and better regional links. Emirates News Agency (WAM) has tracked the UAE's aviation growth and its focus on new routes like this.
Route details and fares
flydubai's schedule lists flight FZ 1165 leaving Dubai International Airport (Terminal 3) at 12:00 and landing in Pokhara at 18:15. The return, FZ 1166, departs Pokhara at 19:15 and arrives in Dubai at 22:00. Business class return fares from Dubai start at AED 5,400. Economy tickets begin at AED 1,950. From Pokhara, business class starts at NPR 135,000, and economy at NPR 80,500. These prices aim to draw both business and leisure travelers. The fares also fit with the UAE's push for economic growth under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The Pokhara flights run as part of a codeshare with Emirates. Passengers can connect through Dubai to over 250 cities worldwide. This setup makes Dubai even more of a global transit point. It also fits with the UAE's Vision 2031, which puts infrastructure and trade at the center. More flights mean more cargo can move between the UAE and Nepal. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has reported a rise in non-oil trade, and this route supports that trend.
Why this matters for Dubai aviation
Daily flights to Pokhara are not just another route. They show Dubai's drive to build stronger air links with key markets. Recent reports on Dubai's tourism push show that direct flights help fill hotels and boost business. The Dubai Media Office says these moves keep Dubai at the top for global travelers.
Pokhara is drawing more tourists and business visitors. flydubai's move gives Dubai a stronger grip as a regional hub. Travelers now have a direct way to reach Western Nepal. The logistics and hospitality sectors in Dubai stand to gain. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal gave flydubai the green light for Dubai-Pokhara-Dubai flights in June 2026. The National has covered how this shows strong regulatory ties between the UAE and South Asia.
Sharp fares and more flights are at the heart of flydubai's plan. The airline wants to catch new demand, deepen ties, and keep Dubai ahead in regional air travel. This move shows flydubai's knack for spotting gaps and acting fast. Both business and leisure markets benefit. For more on the UAE's aviation rules and policy, see the official UAE government portal.
