(AseanAll) — The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, presided over the inaugural flight ceremony of Aero Dili’s new route from Dili to Kuala Lumpur at Nicolau Lobato International Airport on March 28, 2026. Welcomed by Aero Dili Director Lourenço de Oliveira, the President hailed the launch as a testament to Timorese private sector resilience and a vital step in expanding the nation’s international reach.
The Head of State was joined by a high-level delegation, including Timorese Vice Prime Minister Eng. Mariano ‘Assanami’ Sabino, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas, Minister of Transport Eng. Miguel Manetelu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Jesuína Maria Ferreira Gomes, and the Malaysian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Dato’ Amarjit Singh.
In his address, Ramos-Horta emphasized that regional connectivity is a cornerstone of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration, particularly as the country prepares for the 2029 ASEAN Summit. The Head of State highlighted the route’s multifaceted benefits, from boosting trade and tourism to facilitating medical travel through Aero Dili’s partnership with Malaysia’s Mahkota Medical Centre.
Ambassador Singh expressed this sentiment, noting that the increased flights would significantly enhance bilateral ties and support the “Visit Malaysia 2026” campaign, while Minister Manetelu reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to modernizing airport infrastructure.
Praising Lourenço de Oliveira as a “great Timorese entrepreneur,” the President underscored his unwavering support for local initiatives that drive economic development. This new connectivity is served by a robust weekly schedule: Aero Dili operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays (departing Dili at 08:00 AM and returning at 12:15 PM), while Batik Air offers flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (departing Dili at 08:20 AM and returning at 02:15 AM). President Ramos-Horta concluded the ceremony by encouraging continued synergy between the public and private sectors to drive national innovation.
