New Direct Darwin–Dili Air Service Strengthens Economic and Strategic Ties with Timor-Leste

Darwin International Airport today welcomed the announcement by Aero Dili confirming the launch of a new direct air service between Darwin and Dili, further strengthening economic, trade and investment ties between Northern Australia and Timor‑Leste one of Australia’s closest and most important regional partners.

Commencing 24 May 2026, the twice-weekly service will directly connect Darwin and Dili, creating new opportunities for business engagement, investment, government collaboration and regional trade across the Timor Sea.

This new direct service strengthens Darwin’s role as a gateway between Australia and Timor-Leste and creates greater opportunity for business engagement, investment partnerships and economic development across both regions.

QUOTE: Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill OAM MBA MLA

“I congratulate Aero Dili on expanding its international route network to now include its first Australian destination, Darwin.

“This is a positive step that strengthens the longstanding trade, business, investment, and cultural partnerships between the Territory and Timor‑Leste. It also delivers more choice, competition, and connectivity for Territorians.

“As one of Asia’s youngest nations and the newest member of ASEAN, it is great to see Timor‑Leste building the international links needed to support its economic future.”

QUOTE: AERO DILI

Aero Dili President Director Lourenço De Oliveira said the new Darwin–Dili service marks a major step forward in strengthening the aviation and economic connection between Timor-Leste and Northern Australia.

“Launching our first direct service to Australia is a proud milestone for Aero Dili and an

important step in deepening the partnership between Timor-Leste and the Northern Territory,” Mr. De Oliveira said.

“Darwin and Dili share a long history of cooperation across trade, energy, government, and people-to-people connections. This new route will make travel faster, easier, and more accessible for businesses, tourists, and communities on both sides of the Timor Sea.

“Darwin is a natural gateway between Australia and Timor-Leste, and we are excited to bring the two cities closer together while opening new opportunities for tourism, investment, and regional collaboration.

“We look forward to welcoming travellers from the Northern Territory onboard Aero Dili and introducing them to the culture, hospitality, and opportunities that Timor-Leste offers.”

Improved aviation connectivity is fundamental to enabling trade, supporting industry collaboration and strengthening the long-standing relationship between our two nations

QUOTE: AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Airport Development Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Edmondstone said the new route represents a significant step in strengthening the economic partnership between Northern Australia and Timor-Leste.

“Improved aviation connectivity is fundamental to enabling trade, supporting industry collaboration and strengthening the long-standing relationship between our two nations,” Mr Edmondstone said.

“The new service reinforces Darwin’s position as Australia’s northern gateway and supports expanding bilateral engagement between Australia and Timor-Leste across sectors including energy, resources, infrastructure, education and tourism.”

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