By Chinelo Obogo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has designated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna, as the alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Minister made the disclosure when he recently joined the executive governor of Niger State, Umar Bago for the inaugural flight of Overland Airways’ inaugural flight at Minna.
Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasised the operational capacity of the airport, stating: “The runway is an international runway; a 747 and a 777 can use this runway. Why over the years this has been underutilised is still a puzzle. Our eyes are on this airport and I have declared it as the alternative to Abuja Airport. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Agency and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria should take note.”
The Managing Director of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, said that the aircraft deployed to the route is a brand-new Embraer 175, offering both premium and economy class options. “We are commencing with three flights a week, connecting Minna to Lagos and Abuja, and will also be offering seamless access to international destinations through interline arrangements later on,” Boyo said.