I have to hand it to the Thais; Suvarnabhumi International Airport is an impressive sight. Regardless of all the problems that came to plague the airport, it’s enormous and full of stuff. Perhaps you’re wondering what Dili Airport is like. As Timor-Leste is only a small country, the guys in Dili keep everything minimal.

Even in Dili, however, there are smiling Japanese tourists taking pictures and having a wild time of it. Timor-Leste welcomes all nationalities.

If this chap were here to welcome everyone to the airport, then the world would be a much better place. Unfortunately he was only there to keep an eye on me.

The airport is also home to a number of UN troops, who occasionally do training exercises in their helicopters.

For what the departure lounge may lack in size, it more than makes up for with its gigantic roof.

This is the VIP lounge.

When you arrive at most airports, there’s usually some confusion as to which luggage belt will be delivering your bags. No such worries exist in Dili as there is only one belt.

Airport staff are usually some of the gloomiest individuals on earth. Not so in Dili. Even the fellas in charge of the X-ray machine are having fun.

The airport is a good indication of what it’s like in Dili. The people are laidback, life is simple and there are smiles all around.