Pokhara, Sept 23: Flydubai, an Emirati government-owned airline based in Dubai, is beginning regular flights on the Dubai-Pokhara-Dubai route from the Pokhara International Airport from today.
The regular service has brought fresh optimism to tourism entrepreneurs, businesspeople and local residents, who have long been waiting for sustained international connectivity from the regional international airport.
The Pokhara International Airport came into operation on January 1, 2023, but regular international flights have not been established so far.
Although some airlines have operated international services from Pokhara in the past, those flights did not continue on a regular basis.
Airport General Manager Jagannath Niraula said all necessary preparations and infrastructure for international flights have been completed, including immigration, customs, cargo and passenger services.
According to Niraula, the Flydubai aircraft is scheduled to land in Pokhara at 6:15pm and depart for Dubai with passengers at 7:15pm.
The aircraft will be given a water-cannon welcome upon arrival. Tourism and business representatives in Pokhara are preparing to welcome arriving passengers and bid farewell to departing travelers with khada (traditional ceremonial shawls) and flower garlands.
Pokhara Tourism Council’s former Chairperson Pom Narayan Shrestha expressed his confidence that regular service could help strengthen Pokhara’s international connectivity, as Dubai is a major global aviation transit hub and Flydubai operates flights to more than 120 destinations.
The service is also expected to make travel more convenient for Nepali workers and students traveling to Dubai.
Meanwhile, the District Security Committee has inspected the airport and made necessary security arrangements for the operation of international flights, officials said.
