AERO DILI KLIA ROUTE STRENGTHENS MALAYSIA-TIMOR-LESTE TIES

SEPANG, March 28 (Bernama) -- The inaugural Aero Dili flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) marks a significant step in strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and Timor-Leste, boosting trade, tourism and people-to-people ties.

Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas, said the development comes at a crucial time following the country’s admission as the 11th member of ASEAN in October last year.

“This is a very important moment for relations between our two countries, especially in terms of connectivity. Timor-Leste is expanding its links with ASEAN.

“So far, we have daily flights to Indonesia and Singapore, but this route is particularly important. Malaysia holds historical significance for us, as we gained our full membership here, and our people are happy to maintain this friendship,” he told reporters after the welcoming ceremony for Aero Dili’s inaugural flight at KLIA Terminal 2 here today.

The flight was operated using an Airbus A319-100 aircraft with a seating capacity of 122 passengers.

The service will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering convenient travel options for both leisure and business travellers between Dili and Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the introduction of Timor-Leste’s national carrier at KLIA reflects deepening bilateral ties and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities in trade and tourism.

“Timor-Leste is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets, offering natural beauty and a rich history. Malaysia, meanwhile, remains a leading destination for ecotourism, medical wellness and diverse cultural experiences.

“This new route comes at the right time as we step up preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026. We aim to position Malaysia as a preferred regional hub, and stronger connectivity with emerging markets like Timor-Leste is key to that goal,” he said.

Tiong also commended the collaboration between Aero Dili, Malaysia Airports, Tourism Malaysia and all regulatory stakeholders in making the flight a reality, noting that such public-private partnerships continue to drive the tourism sector forward.

His speech was delivered by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (Management), Datuk S. Surrendren.

-- BERNAMA