Introduction
Travelers planning a trip between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates now have a new option. Flydubai began operating a direct daily flight between Pokhara and Dubai on 23 September 2026, making it the first airline from the UAE to connect directly with Pokhara International Airport. This guide from Thamel Travels and Tours explains what is officially confirmed about the Pokhara Dubai direct flight in 2026, including the schedule, fare information, booking process and practical travel guidance for anyone flying this new route.
Pokhara Dubai Direct Flight at a Glance
Information | Details |
Route | Pokhara to Dubai |
Departure Airport | Pokhara International Airport (PHH) |
Arrival Airport | Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3 (DXB) |
Airline | Flydubai |
Service | Direct, nonstop flight, operated daily |
Start date | 23 September 2026 |
Flight numbers | FZ 1165 (Dubai to Pokhara), FZ 1166 (Pokhara to Dubai) |
Approximate flight duration | Around 4 hours 30 minutes |
Partnership | Codeshare with Emirates |
Pokhara to Dubai Direct Flight 2026
For years, Pokhara International Airport, which opened on 1 January 2023, struggled to sustain regular international air service despite being Nepal's second international gateway. The launch of the Flydubai route on 23 September 2026 changed that. According to Flydubai's official statement, the airline became the first UAE carrier to offer direct flights to Pokhara International Airport, and the route is now Flydubai's second destination in Nepal after Kathmandu, where it has operated since 2009.
Pokhara Airport General Manager Jagannath Niraula confirmed that the flight schedule was approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and that all preparations, including immigration, customs and cargo handling, were completed ahead of the launch. On the opening day, the arriving aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, reflecting the significance of this milestone for the region.
For travelers who want to reach the Annapurna region without routing through Kathmandu, the new Pokhara Dubai direct flight is a meaningful development. It gives international visitors, trekkers and Nepali workers a more direct path between the Gulf region and one of Nepal's most visited destinations.
Flydubai Pokhara Dubai Flight Schedule
Based on Flydubai's official announcement, the airline operates the route daily under the following schedule.
Flight Number | Departure Airport | Arrival Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
FZ 1165 | Dubai (DXB), Terminal 3 | Pokhara (PHH) | 12:00 | 18:15 |
FZ 1166 | Pokhara (PHH) | Dubai (DXB), Terminal 3 | 19:15 | 22:00 |
All times shown are local times at the respective airports. The flight operates daily and is part of the Flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, which allows through check in of baggage and a single ticket across the combined network on eligible itineraries.
Please note that airline schedules can be adjusted for operational or seasonal reasons. Travelers should check the flight status and current timetable directly on flydubai.com before departure, particularly for travel dates several months in advance.
Pokhara Dubai Flight Fare and Ticket Price
Ticket prices on the Pokhara Dubai route are not fixed. They depend on the travel date, how far in advance you book, seat availability, the fare type selected, applicable taxes and charges, and any optional extras such as extra baggage. The figures below are reference points taken from official Flydubai sources and checked on 23 September 2026, and they should be verified again at the time of booking since fares move regularly.
Fare Type | Route | Price | Source and Date Checked |
One way, Economy | Pokhara to Dubai | From NPR 47,251 | Flydubai website, checked 23 September 2026 |
Return, Economy | Pokhara to Dubai, September travel | From NPR 104,715 | Flydubai website, checked 23 September 2026 |
Return, Economy | Pokhara to Dubai, October to February travel | From NPR 77,572 | Flydubai website, checked 23 September 2026 |
Return, Economy Class Lite | Pokhara to Dubai | From NPR 91,000 | Flydubai official launch announcement |
Return, Business Class | Pokhara to Dubai | From NPR 190,000 | Flydubai official launch announcement |
Return, Economy Class Lite | Dubai to Pokhara | From AED 1,900 | Flydubai official launch announcement |
Return, Business Class | Dubai to Pokhara | From AED 5,000 | Flydubai official launch announcement |
How to Book a Pokhara Dubai Flight
Booking a seat on the Pokhara Dubai direct flight is straightforward. Flydubai outlines the following official booking channels.
Book directly through flydubai.com or the official Flydubai mobile app
Call the Flydubai UAE Contact Centre for assistance with booking
Visit a Flydubai travel shop in person, where available
Book through an authorized travel partner or travel agency
When booking, travelers can select their preferred fare type, choose a seat, add extra baggage if needed and review the total cost including taxes before completing payment. Travelers who prefer local support with their wider Nepal travel arrangements can also contact Thamel Travels and Tours for help coordinating flights alongside hotels, ground transport and tour itineraries in Nepal.
Why the Pokhara Dubai Direct Flight Matters
A direct connection between Pokhara and Dubai gives travelers another option beyond routing through Kathmandu. For visitors coming from the Gulf region, Europe or other destinations connected through Dubai's extensive network, this means fewer layovers and a more direct path into the Annapurna region.
For Pokhara itself, sustaining a regular international flight has been a long standing goal since the airport opened in 2023. Local tourism entrepreneurs and business leaders in the city have described the new service as an important step toward making Pokhara's international air connectivity more reliable, given Dubai's role as a major global aviation hub with connections to more than 120 destinations.
For travelers planning a Nepal trip, this development means that starting or ending a journey in the Pokhara region, rather than only in Kathmandu, is now a more practical option to consider when planning Nepal tour packages.
Pokhara International Airport Information
Pokhara International Airport (IATA code PHH) began operations on 1 January 2023 and serves as Nepal's second international airport. It sits close to the city of Pokhara, near the Annapurna range, and is designed to handle both domestic and international traffic. Following the launch of the Flydubai service, the airport is equipped to manage immigration, customs and cargo procedures for international arrivals and departures.
Travelers arriving on the Pokhara Dubai direct flight should allow adequate time for immigration and baggage collection, particularly on early flights after the service's launch, as procedures may still be settling into a routine. It is advisable to check with Flydubai or Thamel Travels and Tours for the latest guidance on arrival procedures at Pokhara International Airport.
Travel Tips for Pokhara to Dubai Flight
Check the latest flight schedule on flydubai.com before your travel date, since timings can be adjusted
Arrive at the airport according to the check in time specified by Flydubai for international departures
Confirm passport validity and Dubai visa requirements well before travel, since requirements vary by nationality
Review the baggage allowance attached to your specific fare type before packing
Keep your booking confirmation, passport and any required visa documents easily accessible
Confirm the final fare, including taxes and any optional extras, before completing payment
Allow extra time for immigration, security and boarding procedures, especially during the early months of this new route
If connecting onward from Dubai through the Emirates codeshare, check whether your baggage is through checked to your final destination
Dubai to Pokhara Direct Flight
The Pokhara to Dubai route also operates in the opposite direction. According to the official flydubai schedule, flight FZ 1165 departs from Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3, at 12:00 and arrives at Pokhara International Airport at 18:15 local time. The flight is scheduled to operate daily.
Travelers should not assume that outbound and return flight schedules are always exactly the same, as airlines may adjust flight times because of operational requirements or seasonal changes. If you are travelling from another destination and connecting to Pokhara through Dubai, check the latest Dubai to Pokhara flight schedule directly on the official flydubai website before booking. This is especially important when connecting from another flydubai or Emirates flight at Dubai International Airport.
Pokhara Travel Information for International Visitors
Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most popular destinations for adventure and leisure tourism, known for its beautiful lakes, peaceful surroundings, and spectacular views of the Annapurna range. With the new direct flight from Dubai, international visitors have a more convenient way to reach Pokhara without travelling through Kathmandu first. For more information about the city, its attractions, lakes, transportation, and role as a gateway to the Himalayas, visit our Pokhara travel information page.
Things to Do in Pokhara
Pokhara offers a wide range of activities for visitors arriving from Dubai or elsewhere, ranging from relaxed lakeside sightseeing to high adrenaline adventure sports and mountain treks.
Boating and kayaking on Phewa Lake, with views of the Annapurna range reflected on the water
Sunrise views over the Himalayas from Sarangkot, one of the most popular viewpoints near the city
Paragliding from Sarangkot, one of the most well known paragliding spots in the world for views of the Annapurna range
Bungee jumping and canyon swing activities at the Bungee site near the Kaligandaki Gorge outside Pokhara
Visiting the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views over Phewa Lake and the city
Exploring the Old Bazaar area for a glimpse of traditional Newari architecture and local shops
Walking or cycling around the lakeside Baidam area, known locally as Lakeside
Visiting Davis Falls and the nearby Gupteshwor Cave
Short hikes into the hills surrounding Pokhara for travelers with limited time
Trekking to Ghorepani and Poon Hill for closer views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
Longer treks into the Annapurna region for travelers seeking a multi day mountain journey
Travelers interested in trekking often begin multi day routes such as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek directly from Pokhara, while those seeking a longer high altitude journey may consider the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Combining Pokhara With a Nepal Tour
Since Pokhara connects easily with the rest of Nepal, many travelers choose to combine it with a wider itinerary. A common route includes Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and sometimes Lumbini, allowing visitors to experience cultural sites, wildlife areas and mountain scenery within a single trip. Thamel Travels and Tours offers several itineraries built around this kind of route, including the 10 days Nepal tour, the Nepal triangle tour covering Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan by flight, and the more extensive Nepal holiday package.
Travelers with more time and an interest in the outdoors may prefer the Nepal adventure tour, while those looking for wildlife alongside their Pokhara visit can add a Bardia National Park safari to their itinerary. Visitors who prefer a more comfortable pace can explore the Nepal luxury tour, and those interested in spiritual sites and festivals may enjoy the Nepal festival tours or a dedicated Buddhist cultural tour. Serious trekkers exploring beyond Annapurna sometimes extend their journey to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, which can also be arranged to start or end near Pokhara.
Conclusion
The launch of the Pokhara Dubai direct flight marks a meaningful step forward for international travel access in western Nepal. With Flydubai now operating this route daily, travelers have a more direct way to reach the Annapurna region, whether they are visiting for trekking, leisure, business or to see family.
As with any new international route, schedules, fares and procedures may continue to adjust in the months ahead, so it is worth checking the latest information before you travel. Whether you are planning a short visit to Pokhara or combining it with a longer journey across Nepal, Thamel Travels and Tours is available to help with planning your trip once you land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from Pokhara to Dubai in 2026?
Yes. Flydubai launched a daily direct flight between Pokhara and Dubai on 23 September 2026, making it the first UAE airline to serve Pokhara International Airport directly.
Which airline operates the Pokhara Dubai direct flight?
Flydubai operates the route. It is offered as part of a codeshare partnership with Emirates, which can allow through checked baggage and a single ticket on eligible connecting itineraries.
When did the Pokhara Dubai direct flight service start?
The service began on 23 September 2026, as confirmed in Flydubai's official announcement and in local Nepal news coverage of the launch.
What is the latest Pokhara Dubai flight schedule?
According to Flydubai, flight FZ 1165 departs Dubai at 12:00 and arrives in Pokhara at 18:15, while flight FZ 1166 departs Pokhara at 19:15 and arrives in Dubai at 22:00, operating daily. Always check flydubai.com for the current timetable, since schedules can be adjusted.
How much is a Pokhara to Dubai flight ticket?
Fares vary based on travel date, booking date, fare type and taxes. As checked on Flydubai's official website on 23 September 2026, one way fares started from around NPR 47,251, though this figure changes regularly and should be verified at the time of booking.
How long is the Pokhara to Dubai flight?
Based on the published schedule, the flight takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, though exact flight time can vary slightly depending on operational factors.
Which airport is used for the Pokhara Dubai flight?
The flight departs from and arrives at Pokhara International Airport (PHH) in Nepal and Dubai International Airport, Terminal 3 (DXB), in the United Arab Emirates.
How can I book a Pokhara Dubai flight?
You can book directly through flydubai.com, the Flydubai mobile app, the Flydubai contact centre, a Flydubai travel shop, or through a travel agency such as Thamel Travels and Tours for help with your wider Nepal travel plans.
Can I fly directly from Dubai to Pokhara?
Yes. The same daily Flydubai service operates in both directions, with flight FZ 1165 flying from Dubai to Pokhara.
Can the Pokhara Dubai flight schedule change?
Yes. Airline schedules can be revised due to seasonal adjustments or operational reasons. Travelers should always check the current schedule on flydubai.com close to their travel date rather than relying only on the schedule at launch.




