Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) has teamed up with Atauro’s tourism association ATKOMA to offer a special Fly/Stay passenger service for visitors to the island. MAF’s light aircraft make the journey from Dili in less than 20 minutes, landing at the Ataúro airstrip located midway between Beloi and Vila.
MAF Country Director Nick Hitchins said the service will provide a fast, reliable air-link to the island, helping to re-invigorate and bring hope to a fledgling local tourism industry devastated by the global impacts of Covid-19. “It is part of our commitment to the development of national capacity, and our commitment to bring help, hope and healing to the isolated people of Timor-Leste,” he explained.
USAID’s Tourism For All Project helped the people of Atauro to establish ATKOMA to manage the destination and encouraged MAF and ATKOMA to work in collaboration to improve transport links and increase visitor arrivals.
Booking and Prices
Standard ticket prices to Atauro are $75 each way. Not only will the service provide a quick way for inbound tourists to reach Atauro, but both outward and return journeys can be used by NGO staff and local Timorese wishing to connect with the mainland.
ATAURO Fly/Stay scheduled flights depart Friday evening and Monday morning every week. Flights can also be arranged on an ad-hoc basis through MAF’s Booking Line on WhatsApp +670 7732 7771. Requests for travel will be grouped together and additional flights scheduled each week where possible. Those with an interest in travelling to the island should register for MAF’s ‘last-minute’ group on WhatsApp (simply send your name and number to MAF’s Bookings Line).
Tourists wishing to travel to Atauro can book ‘Fly/Stay Flights’ directly with any accommodation provider or through ATKOMA as part of a package. The island has its own website at ataurotourism.org with information about all of the accommodation providers and tourism attractions on the island.
Flight Schedule
Flights will be scheduled to meet demand. Passengers should expect some flexibility when registering their booking. Note: MAF planes may not be available for short periods due to medical evacuations.
Friday
- Departs DILI 16:30 — Arrives ATAURO 16:50
- Departs ATAURO 17:10 — Arrives DILI 17:30
Monday
- Departs DILI 07:30 — Arrives ATAURO 07:50
- Departs ATAURO 08:10 — Arrives DILI 08:30