Dili’s airport is officially named Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (Aeroporto Nicolau Lobato, IATA code: DIL), formerly known as Comoro International Airport. It sits in the Comoro neighbourhood, about 6km west of Dili city centre.
Getting into the City
The easiest option is a taxi from the rank outside arrivals. Agree the fare before you get in: Timor-Leste’s official tourism site says to expect at least US$15 from the airport into town (older guides quoted US$10).
If you’re on a tight budget, walk about 10 minutes to the second roundabout on the main road outside the airport perimeter and catch a Mikrolet — the shared minibuses used by locals — for the official flat fare of US$0.25 (carry coins). For mikrolet routes, taxis after dark and travel beyond Dili, see our guide to getting around Timor-Leste.
Many hotels offer airport transfers, either included or at an additional cost. Book directly with your hotel rather than through online platforms, which typically charge significantly more. FlyBus also runs pre-booked shuttles between the airport and Dili hotels, and if you want to stay close to the terminal, Timor Lodge Hotel and Residence is about 5 minutes away.
Flights and Arrivals
The airport does not have its own official website. To check departure and arrival times, airportguide.com is a useful resource.
Direct flights from Darwin include Airnorth, and Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) flies light aircraft from here to Atauro and regional towns. For airlines, routes and connections from your region, see our guide on how to get to Timor-Leste; for wider trip planning, see Plan Your Journey.
Expansion works are under way (as of October 2026): the runway is being extended from 1,850 to 2,150 metres and a new passenger terminal is planned, with completion scheduled for 2028. On 19 October 2026 the government asked Indonesia to speed up the runway works, run by the Indonesian state company Waskita Karya; the report did not mention any disruption to flights (Lusa via Observador, 19 October 2026).
Arrival Declaration (e-Declaration)
Every traveller arriving in Timor-Leste must complete the free e-Declaration (customs arrival declaration) online at tilesw.customs.gov.tl before landing. The Immigration Service says it can be submitted up to three days before you travel; when we checked on 26 October 2026, the form accepted arrival dates up to four days ahead. Show the QR code it generates at immigration and customs. The only official site ends in customs.gov.tl: other sites may charge a fee or collect your passport details. A departure declaration is also required when you leave.
Visas
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Dili airport. Check our Visa & Immigration page for current requirements before you travel — it is a must-read before you board.
Related Guides
Sources
- Timor-Leste official tourism site: Dili microlets
- Timor-Leste official tourism site: Transport
- Immigration Service of Timor-Leste: Tourist Visa
- Customs Authority of Timor-Leste: e-Passenger Declaration
- Immigration Service of Timor-Leste: At the border (arrival and departure declarations)
- Lusa via Observador: Timor-Leste asks Indonesia to speed up Dili airport runway works (19 October 2026, Portuguese)