📋 Tender Overview
The Asian Development Bank ADB and the Government of Timor-Leste today signed a 135 million loan to help Timor-Leste expand the countrys gateway airport by extending the runway constructing a new air traffic control tower and reconfiguring relevant facilities on the airside. The project will improve airport safety to attract more airlines and passengers and increase cargo flows.The Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport Expansion Project will offer safe and efficient air transport enhance the countrys connectivity and economic ties with neighboring Asia and Pacific countries improve trade investment and tourism which will facilitate the diversification of the economy said ADB Country Director for Timor-Leste Sunil Mitra.The project supports Timor-Lestes Strategic Development Plan 20112030 which prioritizes infrastructure development to bolster economic growth and reduce inequality. The government has also emphasized the importance of economic diversification to the countrys economic recovery from the coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic. By improving air connectivity the project will boost trade tourism and labor movement to spur private sector development and create jobs.The airport in Dili is the main gateway to Timor-Leste with 90 of passenger arrivals from overseas. The current runway does not meet the safety requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization forcing airlines to significantly limit the number of passengers and adopt additional safety measures to avoid penalties. The operation and maintenance of the airport is expected to be taken over by the private sector.Before the pandemic in March 2020 Timor-Leste had regular direct flights to just three countries Australia Indonesia and Singapore. The project will help pave the way for increased international connectivity and support Timor-Lestes efforts to join the World Trade Organization the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN and other regional and global trade agreements.ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous inclusive resilient and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966 it is owned by 68 members49 from the region.
