FG Declares Tinubu Airport Minna as Alternative to Abuja

The Federal Government has now designated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport located in Minna, Niger State, as the official backup airport for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

This declaration was made by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, during the commencement ceremony of Overland Airways’ commercial flights operating out of the Minna airport.

While addressing the occasion, Keyamo pointed out the airport’s importance due to its modern infrastructure and its suitability to function as a key aviation center.

“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.

He further noted that the airport aligns with global benchmarks both in design and operations, expressing his astonishment at how such a facility had remained underused for so long.

“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.

This development is anticipated to increase air travel activity in Minna and provide an essential fallback option for flights in the northern region, particularly in situations of emergency or overcrowding at the Abuja airport.