DILI, 23 february 2026 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste on friday signed a contract in Tokyo, Japan, with Japanese company TOA Corporation for the construction of the new passenger terminal at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Comoro, Dili.
The contract was signed by Transport and Communications Minister Miguel Manetelu and TOA Corporation Executive Director Katsuhisa Kimura.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Japan Maria Teresinha Viegas and representatives of Japan Airport Consultants and other project partners.
In a press statement, Manetelu said the project is “a strategic priority”.
He said the new terminal will be “Timor-Leste’s gateway, strengthening connectivity, supporting tourism, facilitating trade and promoting economic growth”.
“The contract we signed represents not only a legal commitment but also a shared vision of progress, modernisation and long-term development for our country,” he said.
Kimura said he was proud of the opportunity to work again in Timor-Leste.
He said the company is “fully committed to delivering the project to high safety standards, with quality and within the agreed timeframe”.
The statement said the project requires high engineering standards and strict compliance with international aviation regulations.
It also requires close coordination with other ongoing airport works supported by the Asian Development Bank and the Australian Government.
The new passenger terminal forms part of the modernisation and expansion plan for Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
The upgrade is considered essential to prepare Timor-Leste for future international events, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit planned for 2029.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
