DILI, 16 august 2024 (TATOLI) – The government has decided to go ahead with the project to rehabilitate and extend the runway at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
The project is an initiative of great importance for the development of national infrastructures.
This decision was taken after a careful analysis of the contractual arrangements for the project and in line with the objective of “developing the Master Plan for the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili and completing its expansion, including the runway and ensuring the necessary conditions for this airport to have the capacity to handle around one million passengers a year with the highest safety standards defined in the Program of the IX Constitutional Government.
With the expansion of the runway, to be carried out in three stages, the airport will be able to receive larger planes, significantly improving the existing infrastructure. The first stage involves extending the current runway from 1,850 meters to 2,100 meters. In the second stage, the runway will be extended by another 400 meters towards the sea, reaching a total length of 2,500 meters. Finally, in the third stage, the runway will be extended by another 500 meters in the opposite direction, for a total length of 3,000 meters.
In addition to the expansion of the runway, the project includes the construction of a new control tower, the installation of a modern lighting system, and the rehabilitation of the passenger terminal. Funding for this project comes from various sources, including a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), financial support from the governments of Japan and Australia, as well as allocations from Timor-Leste’s state budget.
This initiative reflects the IX Constitutional Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and the modernization of the country’s critical infrastructure, with the aim of boosting economic growth and improving citizens’ quality of life.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
