Aero Dili’s New Direct Darwin–Dili Service to Help Boost Timor-Leste Tourism

Dili, TIMOR-LESTE: 23 June 2026 — The Ministry of Tourism and Environment welcomes the launch of Aero Dili’s new direct international service between Dili and Darwin, Australia, marking an important milestone in Timor-Leste’s growing aviation network and strengthening one of the country’s most important visitor markets.

The new route commenced on 21 June 2026 and will operate twice weekly, on Sundays and Tuesdays, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Aero Dili’s entry into this route adds to existing services currently provided by Australian carriers Qantas and Air North. There are now 12 weekly direct flights from Timor-Leste to Australia, providing fast and convenient connections across the Timor Sea for leisure travellers, business visitors, diaspora communities, and partners in government, trade, and education.

The service is expected to support increased visitor arrivals from Australia, provide more choice for travellers, and create new opportunities for tourism operators, accommodation providers, cultural attractions, and local communities across Timor-Leste.

“We congratulate Aero Dili on this milestone. This new direct Darwin–Dili service is an important step forward for Timor-Leste’s tourism sector,” said Antonio da Silva, Director General of Tourism. “Australia remains a priority market for Timor-Leste tourism, with the Northern Territory offering a natural gateway for short-break, adventure, diving, cultural, and business travel.”

Aero Dili is Timor-Leste’s national carrier, headquartered in Dili with its hub at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport. Established in 2018, the airline operates Airbus aircraft and is expanding international connections that support Timor-Leste’s tourism, trade, and regional engagement. Darwin is Aero Dili’s first Australian destination and expands the airline’s international network, which also includes services to Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, and China. In November 2026, the airline plans to start operating a Dili–Melbourne service.

ABOUT TIMOR-LESTE: Named by multiple publications as one of the top 20 countries to visit in 2026, Timor-Leste is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling travel destinations, offering visitors authentic, unspoiled experiences. With a distinctive blend of Timorese culture and Portuguese heritage, the country is home to pristine beaches, exceptionally rich coral reefs, world-class diving, dramatic mountain landscapes, and traditional villages. With direct international air links to Australia, Bali, China, Malaysia, and Singapore, Timor-Leste invites travellers to discover rich traditions, remarkable natural beauty, and warm hospitality in a destination that remains refreshingly untouched. For more information, visit www.timorleste.tl