Minna airport designated as alternative to Abuja airport – FG

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, has officially been designated as the alternative airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the launch of Overland Airways’ commercial flight operations from the Minna airport.

Highlighting the airport’s capacity and strategic relevance, Keyamo praised the facility’s infrastructure and its potential to serve as a major aviation hub.

“The runway is an international runway; a 747 and a triple seven can use this runway. Why, over the years, this has been underutilised is still a puzzle,” the minister said.

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He emphasised that the airport meets international standards in both physical and operational aspects, and expressed surprise at its previous underuse.

“Our eyes are on this airport. By the powers conferred on me, I declare Minna Airport as the alternative to Abuja Airport. NCAA, FAAN, take note,” Keyamo declared.

The declaration is expected to bolster aviation traffic in Minna and serve as a strategic relief point for flight operations in northern Nigeria, especially during emergencies or congestion at the Abuja airport.