The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, has officially been designated as the alternative airport to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The announcement was made by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during the inauguration of commercial flight operations by Overland Airways at the Minna airport.
Keyamo highlighted the strategic importance and infrastructure of the airport, emphasizing its capacity to handle large international aircrafts.
“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,” he remarked.
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The minister stated that the facility meets global standards both physically and operationally, expressing surprise at its previous underuse.
He issued a formal directive during the event, declaring the airport’s new role.
“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 said.
The designation is expected to increase aviation activity in Minna and position the airport as a critical fallback for flight operations in the north, particularly during emergencies or congestion at Abuja’s airport.
