International passengers allowed to fly Airnorth between Darwin and Dili

PASSENGERS approved to travel will be on three weekly flights between Darwin and Dili that have started operating after Airnorth signed a deal with the Timor-Leste Government

The Timor Leste Government has reportedly signed a deal with Airnorth to continue regular flights between Dili and Darwin Picture: Evan Morgan

• Regular flights between Dili and Darwin set to continue

PEOPLE approved to travel will be on three weekly flights between Darwin and Dili that started operating on Friday, after Airnorth signed a deal with the Timor-Leste Government.

Timor-Leste Transport Minister José Agostinho da Silva signed off on a deal with Airnorth on Tuesday for the operation of the Monday, Wednesday and Friday flights.

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He said the flights would transport “medical supplies, medical emergencies, and the provision of essential goods and services” to Timor-Leste.

Australians are officially banned from travelling overseas with Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing the ban in response to the coronavirus pandemic on March 24.

Australia had already banned international travellers from entering the country earlier, on March 20.

But a spokesman from Airnorth told the NT News passengers would be on the flights.

“Approved exempt passengers may travel on the service as long as they follow the strict quarantine rules upon arrival into Timor-Leste including a 15-day self-isolation period in a specific government approved hotel,” Mr Agostinho da Silva said.

“Inbound passengers travelling from Dili will be met by the Australian Border Force and expected to comply with the NT quarantine rules and regulations,” he said.

It comes as international arrivals from Dili on Saturday become the first group in Darwin to complete 14 days in forced hotel quarantine.

The 16 passengers, who arrived on Saturday, March 28 from Dili, are expected to be released from quarantine at the Mercure Hotel in Eaton after midday.

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner said once they completed their hotel quarantine they were free to go home.

“Once they’ve been released we might give them a certificate or something so they can show to people that they’ve done their 14 days,” Mr Gunner said.