FG names Minna airport backup to Abuja airport

Abdullateef Fowewe

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

This was made known 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.

Keyamo said, “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.”

However, the Minister noted 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,” he announced.