Flydubai says flights to Nepal operating as scheduled after flash floods

Dubai-based airline flydubai has confirmed that its flights to Kathmandu are operating as scheduled, as Nepal continues to deal with the aftermath of devastating flash floods that have left thousands of people missing.

Flydubai Flights to Kathmandu Continue

A flydubai spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that services between Dubai and Kathmandu are operating according to schedule.

The confirmation comes as rescue and relief operations continue across parts of Nepal following severe flooding that has caused widespread destruction and disrupted transportation, tourism and local communities.

New Pokhara Service Set to Launch

Flydubai is also preparing to expand its Nepal network. The airline announced in June that it would launch a daily direct service to Pokhara International Airport (PHH) from September 23, 2026.

The new route will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and will become flydubai's second destination in Nepal after Kathmandu.

Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said Nepal has remained an important market for the airline since it began operating flights to Kathmandu in 2009. He added that the Pokhara service reflects the airline's commitment to supporting trade and tourism between the UAE and Nepal.

Floods Cause Widespread Damage

The devastating flash floods have caused significant damage to villages and towns across Nepal, with satellite images showing the scale of destruction.

The disaster has also affected key sectors of the country's economy, particularly trade and tourism, while rescue teams continue searching for people reported missing.

Thousands Reported Missing

According to reports, nearly 1,500 people, including almost 800 foreign nationals, were reported missing across Nepal and China's Tibet region on Thursday.

More than 5,000 army and police personnel have been deployed to support rescue operations. Authorities said rescue teams recovered 125 people, including 20 foreigners, on Thursday.

UAE-Nepal Travel Link Remains Important

The continued operation of flydubai's Kathmandu flights is particularly significant for the UAE's large Nepalese community. Thousands of Nepalese citizens live and work across the UAE, maintaining strong family, business and travel links with Nepal.

With the airline's new Pokhara service scheduled to begin next month, the UAE-Nepal air connectivity network is also set to expand further, supporting future tourism and trade between the two countries.