Aero Dili (8G, Dili) has commenced scheduled passenger services between Dili and Xiamen, its first route to China. The first of the 2x monthly roundtrips operated on February 14, 2025. According to a statement from the Office of the President of Timor-Leste, the flights will later increase to four and, "in the future," to eight.
"The choice of Xiamen Airport for this direct link reflects the strong presence of the Chinese community in Timor-Leste, predominantly originating from Fujian Province," said Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta in a February 14 speech.
Aero Dili CEO Lourenço de Oliveira told the Lusa news agency that China represented a huge market for the airline. However, the process of starting the new route "wasn't easy."
China and Timor-Leste inked an air services agreement last year. The flights are underwritten in part by the Timor-Leste government which is guaranteeing 30% of the seats, and are operated by the airline's single A320-200, 4W-AAL (msn 3672).
"This new route will not only facilitate mobility between the two countries but also strengthen the historical, cultural, and economic ties that unite Timor-Leste and China," Ramos-Horta added.
The privately-owned carrier that began jet operations in 2023 already flies between Dili and both Denpasar and Singapore Changi using its single A320. However, it recently acquired an A319-100, which it will use to further expand its network after it arrives in March.
"Aero Dili has ambitious plans to transform Dili into a transit hub for passengers connecting to Bali, Darwin, and Melbourne Airport," Ramos-Horta said.
