Flydubai Just Unlocked a New Route to the Himalayas

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-25

### The First International Scheduled Flight to Pokhara Flydubai just became the first airline to launch scheduled international flights to Pokhara, Nepal. That's a big deal for travelers who've been eyeing the Annapurna range. And it's a big deal for a city that's long been the gateway to some of the world's best trekking. Pokhara is now flydubai's second gateway in Nepal, alongside Kathmandu. The new service bumps flydubai's weekly frequencies to Nepal up to 35. That means more seats, more cargo space, and more options for anyone trying to get to the Himalayas without a messy multi-day journey. ### Why Pokhara Matters for Adventure Travelers Pokhara sits right next to the Annapurna Mountain range. It's the launching point for treks like the Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Base Camp route. For years, getting there meant flying into Kathmandu and then taking a short but often unpredictable domestic flight or a long, winding bus ride. Now, with direct international service, you can skip a step. That's huge if you're short on time or just don't want to deal with the hassle. > "Pokhara has always been the heart of Nepal's adventure tourism. This new route finally gives it the global access it deserves." — a local trekking operator told us. ### What This Means for Nepal's Aviation Sector The inaugural flight marks a milestone. Pokhara is now the country's third airport with scheduled international service. That's a big vote of confidence in the region's infrastructure. And it's not just about tourism. The added cargo capacity means more goods can move in and out of the region. That could help local businesses and lower prices on imported items over time. ### The Numbers Behind the New Route - Weekly frequencies to Nepal: 35 (up from previous levels) - Pokhara is flydubai's second gateway in Nepal (after Kathmandu) - Direct access to the Annapurna range from Dubai If you're based in the United States, this opens up a new connection. You can fly to Dubai on a number of carriers, then hop on flydubai to Pokhara. No more backtracking through Kathmandu unless you want to. ### Should You Book Now? If you've been putting off a trip to Nepal because of the logistics, this changes things. The route is brand new, so prices might be reasonable for a while. But don't expect them to stay that way once word gets out. Check flydubai's schedule directly for the latest fares. And remember: the best time to trek in the Annapurna region is typically spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Plan accordingly. ### The Bottom Line Flydubai's move is a win for travelers and for Pokhara. It makes a stunning part of the world more accessible. And it signals that Nepal's aviation sector is growing up. If you've ever dreamed of seeing those mountain sunrises, now's a good time to start planning.