A New Flight Path for Pokhara

The decision by Flydubai to launch daily direct flights between Pokhara and Dubai from September 23 is encouraging news for Nepal’s tourism industry. It raises hopes that Pokhara International Airport may finally begin fulfilling the purpose for which it was built. The airport’s future has been under question for almost four years. Built at a cost of Rs 22 billion and inaugurated in January 2023, it has largely relied on domestic flights. Authorities briefly operated a short-lived international service to Lhasa, but regular international flights never materialised. Critics have frequently cited the airport as an example of costly infrastructure built without adequate planning for commercial viability. Pokhara is already one of South Asia’s most attractive tourism destinations. The city offers access to the Annapurna region, adventure tourism, lakes, mountain views, and a growing hospitality sector. Over the years, tourism-related investments worth billions of rupees have flowed into hotels, restaurants, and supporting businesses. Yet international visitors continue to enter mainly through Kathmandu, adding extra travel time and cost. Direct connectivity to Dubai has the potential to change that significantly. Dubai is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, with flights to hundreds of cities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Many travellers who previously used Kathmandu as a transit point can now fly directly to Pokhara. This convenience could help increase tourist arrivals, lengthen stays, and boost spending in the local economy.

Beyond tourism benefits, thousands of migrant workers from western Nepal who travel to Gulf countries each year could also benefit. A direct international gateway closer to their homes would reduce travel burdens and make journeys more efficient. However, one airline alone cannot guarantee long-term success. The real challenge begins after the inaugural flight. The government must treat this development as an opportunity to attract more international carriers to Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. Both airports were built with substantial public investment, yet neither has achieved the level of international traffic originally envisioned. To attract international airlines, targeted incentives are necessary. Temporary exemptions or reductions in airport charges, landing fees, parking fees, and other operational costs could encourage airlines to test new routes. Many countries have successfully used such measures to develop emerging aviation hubs. Nepal should do the same while ensuring that incentives remain transparent and time-bound. At the same time, authorities should improve supporting services. International passengers should be able to complete visa procedures, labour approvals, and other travel-related formalities from Pokhara and Bhairahawa.

For international operations to succeed, airports require efficient systems that make travel convenient and attractive. Meanwhile, the government must also strengthen Nepal Airlines. A capable national flag carrier is essential for expanding international presence and maintaining strategic air connectivity. It can also play a vital role in attracting other airlines to the sector. To sum up, Flydubai’s arrival is a good start, not a final goal. If policymakers use this opportunity by providing effective incentives, better services, and stronger aviation institutions, Pokhara’s connection to the world could become a driving force for tourism growth, regional development, and economic benefits. Nepal has waited long enough for its new international airports to take off. This is the moment to ensure they finally do.