Banking News – The Government of Nepal has introduced a package of fee waivers for airlines operating international flights from Pokhara International Airport, aiming to attract more foreign carriers and expand regular international air connectivity.

A Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday decided to grant 100 percent exemptions on parking, landing, and navigation fees for international airlines operating from the airport until mid-September 2028 (end of Bhadra 2085 BS). The government has also approved a 50 percent discount on ground handling charges.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya welcomed the decision, saying the incentives would help facilitate the expansion of regular international services, including the upcoming Pokhara–Dubai route, while encouraging additional international airlines to begin operations.

“This decision will significantly contribute to tourism promotion, improved air connectivity, and overall economic activity,” Acharya said.

Flydubai is scheduled to launch direct Pokhara–Dubai flights on September 23, providing Pokhara with its first regular connection to Dubai, one of the world’s leading international aviation hubs. The new route is expected to strengthen the city’s integration into the global air transport network.

Despite being operational for nearly three years, Pokhara International Airport has yet to establish regular scheduled international services.

According to Jagannath Niraula, General Manager of Pokhara International Airport, Flydubai has already opened ticket bookings after receiving approval for its Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flight schedule.

Niraula said the service would offer travelers from Pokhara more convenient access to destinations across Europe, the United States, and other international markets via Dubai, reducing both travel time and transportation costs.

The direct international connection is also expected to benefit Nepal’s tourism sector by allowing foreign visitors to travel directly to Pokhara, the country’s tourism capital and gateway to the Annapurna region. The route is also expected to provide greater convenience for Nepalis traveling abroad for employment, education, tourism, and other purposes, particularly to Gulf countries.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) granted Flydubai permission in May to operate daily Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flights, and the airline has since published its official flight schedule.

The approval follows the government’s commitment, outlined in the Fiscal Year 2026/27 (2083/84 BS) policy and program, to pursue diplomatic initiatives aimed at attracting international airlines to Pokhara International Airport.

So far, the airport has handled only limited charter international flights to neighboring countries, with no regular scheduled international services. Constructed at a cost of approximately Rs. 22 billion, the airport has largely remained dependent on domestic operations since its inauguration.