On 26 January 2021 Timor-Leste’s National Parliament ratified an Air Services Agreement (ASA) with Australia, by 45 votes to 2 with 12 abstentions, as reported by the Portuguese news agency Lusa. It was the first agreement of its kind ratified by Timor-Leste; a similar text with Indonesia had never been ratified. Australia had already ratified it.
What the agreement does
- Gives airlines from both countries the legal basis to fly commercial services between Australia and Timor-Leste, subject only to regulatory and safety requirements
- Lets airlines from other countries pass through Timor-Leste on their way to Australia
- Commits both sides to aviation security and to competition between airlines
Why it mattered for tourism
Before the agreement, Dili had regular flights only to Australia, Indonesia and Singapore, and high fares were holding back tourism. The Australian Embassy said more competition could bring down passenger and freight costs and help both countries recover from COVID-19. The Council of Ministers had approved the agreement in July 2020; the parliamentary vote was delayed by debates on the 2020 and 2021 state budgets.
For current routes and airlines, see how to get to Timor-Leste.