Government Lays Fundation stone for Expansion Project at President Nicolau Lobato International Airport
On May 20th, 2025, the date of the 23rd anniversary of the Restoration of Independence, the Government held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the development and expansion of President Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili. The initiative marks the beginning of a strategic intervention aimed at modernizing this airport infrastructure, with the goal of strengthening passenger service capacity and ensuring compliance with international safety and operational standards.
The airport expansion includes the progressive extension of the runway in three phases, the construction of a new control tower, the installation of a modern lighting system, and the rehabilitation of the passengers’ terminal.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão highlighted the importance of the moment, stating that “today we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the restoration of independence.” It was twenty-three years ago that we made a commitment to build the state and the nation”. The Head of Government also stated that “we are fully aware of the challenges we continue to face, particularly in the area of infrastructure, which is an essential driver of development.”
The development of the infrastructure sector was reiterated as a priority for the 9th Constitutional Government. “The development of infrastructure is vital for national development, for a dynamic and productive economy, for job creation, and for the consolidation of institutions throughout the country,” said the Prime Minister, adding that this commitment is in line with the objectives of the 2011-2030 Strategic Development Plan.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão explained that “when the Government began its term on July 1, 2023, we reviewed previously planned projects, including the airport project, to ensure their sustainability, effectiveness, and viability in light of the country’s development needs.”
The IX Constitutional Government Program identifies air transport as a strategic pillar of economic growth. The document emphasizes that “investing in air transport is essential to meet future demand for air traffic, associated with the country's economic growth.” The expansion of Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport aims to provide more reliable air service between Timor-Leste and major regional and international destinations, thereby promoting the development of tourism, trade, and business activity.
“The development and expansion of Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport will enable the creation of modern air corridors connecting Dili to regional capitals and integrating Timor-Leste more effectively into regional and global systems,” said the Prime Minister, adding that the modernization of airport infrastructure "will simultaneously strengthen Timor-Leste's position within ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region in general."
At the end of his speech, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the “firm commitment [of the Executive] to promote the modernization of the country's critical infrastructure, with the aim of boosting economic growth and improving the well-being of the population, ensuring the sustainable development of our nation.” He also pointed out that “it is not enough to do it— we need to do it well!”, highlighting the commitment to “ensure transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in all public investment management procedures and processes, especially in the infrastructure sector.”
The Prime Minister also expressed his “appreciation to the institutions that have collaborated with us in this national effort, including JICA, the Asian Development Bank, and the Governments of Japan and Australia, for their support for this project.”
