UNTAET INCREASES AIR SERVICE TO OECUSSI ENCLAVE

UNTAET is providing an additional flight and extra seats on existing helicopter services between Dili and Oecussi district in order to help alleviate a travel impasse created by last month's suspension of the ferry service between the capital and the enclave.

The new service, which will allow an additional 88 passengers to travel to and from the capital each week, comes in addition to two already existing flights and will be provided to the East Timorese free of charge.

As of 8 October, a DHC-7 (Dash-7) aircraft with a 42-passenger capacity will depart Dili every Monday morning. In addition, a MI-26 helicopter operating between Dili and Oecussi, Maliana and Suai districts on Wednesdays and Saturdays will carry an additional 22 passengers each.

The measures are being taken while UNTAET searches for a viable alternative to the ferry service that was suspended last month due to safety concerns in light of the upcoming rainy season.

UNTAET is actively pursuing several reliable and safe alternatives, including road, air, and other sea options through discussions with governments, international agencies, and transport companies.