DILI, 02 february 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s government will sign the contract for the construction of a new passenger terminal of the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Japan in mid-february, the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Manetelu, announced.
“On 16 february, I will travel to Japan to sign the contract with the company that will build the terminal. After the signing, we will publicly announce the name of the contractor,” Minister Manetelu said.
This milestone follows an initial agreement signed on february 3rd, 2025, the Ministry of Transport and Communications to provide consultancy services with the Consortium Japan Airport Consultants, Ehira Architects and Engineers, Oriental Consultants Global and Nippon Koei, Ltd. as part of the rehabilitation project for the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
The contract signed aims to draw up the engineering execution project for the construction of the new passenger terminal, with a view to modernizing the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport, to ensure improved passenger service capacity and compliance with international standards of airport safety and operation.
On 9 February 2023, the Timorese government and JICA formalised a partnership to finance 4.9 billion yen (around US$37.5 million) for the new passenger terminal. This investment is part of a broader programme to modernise and expand Timor-Leste’s airport infrastructure.
The overall project is divided into several sub-projects. Runway expansion is being handled by Indonesian firm Waskita Karya, with a budget of US$72.5 million, while project management is led by PT Amtyhas under a US$6.28 million contract.
The new passenger terminal itself has a total budget of US$385.62 million and will be constructed by a Japanese company, with financing shared between the governments of Timor-Leste and Japan.
Further international support includes a US$135 million loan from the Asian Development Bank for upgrades to the runway, taxiways, apron, lighting systems, air traffic control tower, and administrative building.
Timor-Leste has also secured funding from Australia, via the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, comprising a US$45 million loan and a US$28.36 million grant to develop supporting infrastructure, including access roads, parking facilities, and maintenance buildings.
Additionally, the government has allocated US$52 million from its Infrastructure Fund to compensate families affected by the construction works.
The new terminal is expected to strengthen air connectivity, improve passenger experience, and support Timor-Leste’s long-term economic growth.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Julia Chatarina
Translation: Filomeno Martins
