The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, has now been declared the official alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement during the flag-off of Overland Airways’ commercial operations at the Minna airport on Tuesday, April 23, 2025.
Describing the airport as a world-class facility, Keyamo highlighted its capacity to handle large international aircraft such as Boeing 747s and Boeing 777s.
“This airport has a standard international runway. A 747 and a triple seven can land here comfortably,” Keyamo said. “It is surprising that a facility of this magnitude has been underutilised for so long.”
According to the Minister, the decision to upgrade Minna airport’s status is strategic, given its proximity to Abuja and its potential to relieve congestion or serve during emergencies at the federal capital’s airport.
“By the powers conferred on me as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, I hereby declare Minna Airport as the designated alternative to Abuja Airport. NCAA and FAAN should take note,” Keyamo stated.
He emphasized that the airport meets international operational and infrastructural standards and expressed optimism that the move will stimulate aviation activity in Niger State and Northern Nigeria as a whole.
