Airport Authority Tests Security Response Ahead of Commonwealth Summit

𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has been actively leading a number of exercises aimed at strengthening its security and response preparedness at the VC Bird International Airport.

The table-top exercises, one held on 27th May and the other on 17th June, form part of ongoing safety and security protocols at the airport but were also undertaken in preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will be held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1 – 4 November.

CHOGM is expected to bring hundreds of delegates, including heads of government, high level dignitaries, diplomats, media and support staff to Antigua and Barbuda. The Airport Authority recognises that it will unavoidably place increased operational and security demands on the nation’s primary gateway.

The exercises therefore focused on simulated security incidents within the airport perimeter. These exercises challenged participants to assess and coordinate their response to a rapidly evolving situation. In attendance were representatives from the Airport Authority, law enforcement, emergency services, disaster management officials, Airline Representatives, and other key stakeholders.

The discussions centered on strategic decision-making, incident command and coordination, emergency communications, aviation security measures, VIP protection protocols and public information management.

The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) played a leadership role with its Emergency Disaster Manager Anderson Tuitt serving as Exercise Director. Participants were taken through a series of scenario-based discussions that evaluated current procedures and identified opportunities to strengthen coordination and operational effectiveness.

The ABAA’s Airport Security Manager, Mrs. Giffer Jones, underscored the importance of the initiative, noting that preparedness remains one of the most effective tools in safeguarding passengers, airport personnel, critical infrastructure, and visiting dignitaries.

“These exercises are an essential component of our security contingency programme. They allow us to test our plans, improve where necessary and strengthen coordination among key agencies,” Jones explained.

“Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to host CHOGM, so we know it is important to test our readiness for handling all possibilities while maintaining the safe and secure operation of the airport,” the Security Manager added.

With VC Bird International Airport continuing to experience growth in passenger traffic and aircraft operations, the Airport Authority is striving to maintain the highest standards of aviation safety and security.

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