Thailand and Timor-Leste have strengthened their aviation ties through the conclusion of an Air Services Agreement between the two countries. On 8 April 2025, the heads of the two delegations initialled the agreement, witnessed by H.E. Mr. Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, Minister of Transport and Communications of Timor-Leste, and H.E. Mr. Atipat Rojanapaibulya, Ambassador of Thailand to Timor-Leste.

The agreement was made possible through the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. It will pave the way for airlines of both countries to operate services between Thailand and Timor-Leste, including code-sharing arrangements, to promote economic, trade, and tourism cooperation through the airline networks of both sides. Under this agreement, Thailand will allow Timor-Leste’s airline(s) to operate flights to all international airports in Thailand, while Timor-Leste will offer reciprocal access as well. Currently, Timor-Leste’s main airline, Aero Dili, operates domestic and international flights to destinations including Indonesia, Singapore and China. Airlines from Malaysia and Brunei have also expressed interest in launching flights to Dili.

Thailand and Timor-Leste established the diplomatic relations in 2002. Thailand has played an active role in UN peacekeeping missions in Timor-Leste prior to its restoration of independence in the same year and has since remained a committed development partner. Thailand is well-positioned to support Timor-Leste’s aviation sector, including through capacity-building, aircraft and parts maintenance, and serving as a transit hub for international travel.

The conclusion of this agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening people-to-people connectivity between the two countries, following the entry into force of the visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports on 22 November 2024, and in view of Timor-Leste’s preparations for ASEAN membership.