Dili, Sept. 14, 2026 (Lusa) - The Timorese Government and the Japanese company TOA Corporation on Monday launched the construction of the new passenger terminal at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili, which is due to be completed in 2028.
«This day should mark not only the start of the works, but also our commitment to completing this project on time and to a high standard,» said the minister of transport and communications, Miguel Manetelu, at the foundation-laying ceremony.
According to the minister, the Government of Timor-Leste has placed its trust in TOA Corporation due to its experience, professionalism and technical expertise.
However, Manetelu emphasised that this trust must be backed up by concrete results.
«I ask TOA Corporation to mobilise, with immediate effect, all the necessary human resources, equipment, materials and technical capabilities. The work must be carried out with discipline, safety and quality, in accordance with the previously agreed implementation programme,» explained the minister.
He also said that problems must be identified and that information must be «shared clearly; technical decisions must be taken swiftly and responsibly; and coordination between the Government, consultants, airport authorities, ministries and all partners involved must be effective».
«The start date of the works must be directly linked to the completion date. Only then can we be certain that the plan and the implementation programme will be completed within the established timeframe,» the minister warned.
Manetelu also reaffirmed that the airport, including the passenger terminal, is due to be completed by 20 May 2028.
«Timor-Leste needs to prepare its airport infrastructure, train operational teams for the new facilities, test their use and familiarise itself with airport operations, particularly with a view to preparing for the ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] chairmanship,» he stated.
«We may have modern, high-quality infrastructure and facilities, but if the airport's construction is not completed and its facilities do not meet the necessary standards, Timor-Leste's leadership of ASEAN will face major challenges. That is why we must all share this same objective.» The passenger terminal building is the main component of the airport's integrated development and expansion programme. It is a complex project that requires high engineering standards, rigorous security systems, integration with airport systems and compliance with international aviation standards.
In February 2025, the Government of Timor-Leste, through the minister of transport and communications, Miguel Manetelu, signed a contract with the Japanese company TOA Corporation for the construction of the new passenger terminal at the airport.
Last May, the Government launched the project to modernise and extend the runway.
In addition to the new terminal, which will include two passenger boarding bridges, the project also involves the refurbishment and extension of the runway at the country's main airport from 1,850 metres to 2,150 metres.
The project is financed through a loan from the Asian Development Bank, with support from the governments of Japan and Australia, as well as by the Timorese State, through the state budget.
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