Dili, 05 June 2019 (Lusa)
Air Timor and Indonesia’s Transnusa have agreed to operate a joint air service between the two capitals of the island of Timor — Dili and Kupang — starting June 14, 2019.
Launch Details
Air Timor’s director Syed Abdul Rahman told Lusa that the inaugural flight is scheduled for June 14, with tickets expected to go on sale between June 10 and 11. He described the bureaucratic and technical process as “almost complete.”
Fares and Schedule
| Period | Price (one-way) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Inaugural month (promotional) | $45 (approx. €40) | 2× per week |
| Regular pricing | $80–$100 (approx. €71–€89) | 2× per week (Mon & Fri) |
About Transnusa
Transnusa is a brand of the Indonesian group PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri, an airline operating in the eastern part of Indonesia — particularly in the Nusa Tenggara and Sulawesi regions. It is based at El Tari Airport in Kupang, the capital of the Indonesian half of the island of Timor.
- Founded: 2005
- AOC issued: 2011 (previously operated with Pelita Air and Trigana Air charter planes)
- Current fleet: 10 aircraft
A New Alternative for Travellers Leaving Timor-Leste
The Dili–Kupang route offers an alternative to the limited and expensive international connections currently available from Timor-Leste. Existing routes and their typical one-way fares include:
| Route | Airline | Typical Fare (one-way) |
|---|---|---|
| Dili → Bali | Garuda group (Indonesian) | $200–$300 |
| Dili → Darwin | AirNorth (Australian) | $200–$300 |
However, travellers should note that connecting onward from Kupang adds cost. For example, a Dili–Kupang leg ($80–$100) combined with a Kupang–Bali leg (also ~$100) brings the total comparable to existing direct fares.
Previous Dili–Kupang Service
This is not the first time Air Timor has operated this route. The airline previously ran flights between Dili and Kupang three times a week from late 2017 into early 2018, before suspending the service for commercial reasons.