The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, has been officially designated as the alternative airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement during the launch of Overland Airways’ commercial flight operations from the Minna airport.
Keyamo praised the airport’s infrastructure and strategic location, noting its capacity to handle large aircraft such as Boeing 747s and 777s.
“The runway is an international runway. A 747 and a triple seven can use this runway. Why this has been underutilised over the years is still a puzzle,” he said.
He emphasized that the facility meets international standards and declared:
“By the powers conferred on me, I declare Minna Airport as the alternative to Abuja Airport. NCAA, FAAN, take note.”
The move is expected to boost aviation traffic in Minna and provide a strategic backup for flight operations in northern Nigeria, especially during emergencies or congestion in Abuja.
