DILI, 29 august 2024 (TATOLI) – The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the installation of new solar-powered runway lights at Dili International Airport. This significant enhancement addresses the airport’s previous limitation, which restricted operations to daylight hours only due to the absence of nighttime lighting. The solar-powered lights, originally provided to the F-FDTL Air Component by Embassy Defense Cooperation to assist in their maritime security operations, have now been graciously lent to the airport authority to temporarily address this critical need during Pope Francis’ visit.
These lights will improve flight scheduling flexibility, enhance emergency response readiness, and contribute positively to the tourism sector, making nighttime operations safer and more efficient. While this is a temporary solution, it reflects a strong collaboration between the Embassy, the F-FDTL, and the airport authority, demonstrating a shared commitment to ensuring a successful and well-coordinated event.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held last december for the installation of similar runway lights at Baucau Airfield as part of the Embassy Office of Defense Cooperation’s rehabilitation efforts there. This initiative was complemented by the procurement of additional runway lights for Dili International Airport, ensuring that both critical airports in Timor-Leste are now equipped for enhanced operational capacity.
This timely support comes as Timor-Leste prepares for the visit of Pope Francis in September and its planned 2025 accession to ASEAN, underscoring the commitment to improving infrastructure and supporting the nation’s growth and development.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
