Timor-Leste's Xanana Gusmão International Airport and Infrastructure Underutilization Amid Oil and Gas Hopes
Timor-Leste's $120 million Xanana Gusmão International Airport and a $550 million highway remain largely unused, resulting in minimal local job creation. The infrastructure was built for the anticipated Greater Sunrise oil and gas project, which has not materialized. Despite the government's investment in these projects, local leaders express disappointment over the lack of economic benefits. The Greater Sunrise field, valued at up to $50 billion, remains undeveloped due to ongoing debates over resource nationalism and commercial viability, with future LNG production potentially starting by 2032-2035.
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Timor-Leste's Xanana Gusmão International Airport, opened in 2017 at a cost of $120 million, is largely unused, serving mainly medical evacuations. Nearby, a $550 million highway built by a Chinese consortium is also underutilized, with frequent sinkholes.
Both infrastructures were developed for the Greater Sunrise oil and gas project, which has yet to be realized. The Timor government, owning more than half of the project, resists piping gas to Australia, citing resource nationalism.
Current options include negotiating with Australia or pursuing Chinese investment. Future LNG production is anticipated between 2032-2035.
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