By Joy Yesufu
The Federal Government has formally designated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, as the official alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), during the commissioning of Overland Airways’ new commercial flight operations at the Minna airport.
Keyamo hailed the airport’s infrastructure, describing its runway and operational standards as fully compliant with international aviation requirements.
“The runway here is of international standard—a Boeing 747 or a Triple Seven can land here. It remains a puzzle why this facility has been underutilized for so long,” he remarked.
Citing both strategic location and readiness, the Minister expressed confidence in the airport’s capacity to handle high-volume traffic and serve as a reliable contingency point.
“By the powers vested in me as Minister, I hereby declare Minna Airport as the official alternative to Abuja Airport. NCAA, FAAN, take note,” Keyamo stated.
The declaration is expected to decongest air traffic in Abuja and strengthen the aviation network in northern Nigeria.
The move also positions Minna as a potential emergency landing hub or diversion point for flights experiencing delays or technical issues at the Federal Capital Territory.
