Dili, April 9 (AseanAll)  — On April 9, 2026, The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, granted an audience to the Executive Director of Aero Dili, Lourenço de Oliveira, to hear an explanation regarding Timor-Leste’s aviation situation in light of the fuel crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East between the United States and its ally Israel against Iran.

During the audience, Mr. Lourenço informed the Head of State that, “As an airline, we will suspend Aero Dili flights from Timor-Leste to Singapore, as well as from Dili to Fuzhou (China), and will resume them once the situation returns to normal,” said businessman Lourenço de Oliveira.

Lourenço further explained that some flight routes will be reduced from twice or thrice weekly to only once per week, specifically those to Malaysia and China. Regarding Indonesia, operations will also depend on the ongoing fuel crisis.

Regarding tickets, the businessman informed that prices have increased in line with the global situation, particularly due to aviation fuel (avtur) prices, which have risen by 90% since March 2026—a challenge being faced worldwide and not just in Timor-Leste. Despite this issue, Aero Dili will not reduce its staff, unlike other airlines around the world that are currently downsizing their workforce.

Finally, Aero Dili also presented the current Government’s position on supporting Aero Dili as a Timorese-owned company to ensure its continued operations. Consequently, Aero Dili has a plan for the Government to take a shareholding (equity) in the company to strengthen its existence.