As passenger traffic peaks during the holiday travel season, Antigua and Barbuda’s primary international gateway will place its emergency response systems under scrutiny, with a full-scale aviation security and emergency exercise scheduled for Monday, December 29.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) will lead the exercise at V.C. Bird International Airport between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon, in collaboration with the National Office for Disaster Services (NODS) and several national response agencies.
Participating partners include the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and other key airport stakeholders.
Airport officials said the exercise forms part of a structured programme of periodic simulations designed to test coordination, communication, and response times across agencies in high-risk scenarios. Such drills are a requirement under international aviation safety and security standards and are critical to maintaining operational certification at international airports.
“These exercises allow us to test our systems under controlled conditions and ensure that all agencies are prepared to respond quickly and effectively should a real emergency occur,” an Airport Authority official said.
The Airport Authority has emphasised that normal flight operations will continue uninterrupted throughout the exercise. Flights arriving at and departing from VC Bird International Airport will not be delayed, and travellers are encouraged to proceed with their normal preparations.
Members of the travelling public and residents in nearby communities may observe an increased presence of emergency vehicles, law enforcement personnel, and response teams on the airfield and adjacent roadways during the exercise period.
As part of the simulation, trained actors will portray injured passengers in realistic emergency scenarios. These controlled simulations are intended to assess medical response, evacuation procedures, and inter-agency coordination, while posing no risk to the public. Authorities have stressed that this activity is strictly a drill and not an actual emergency.
Officials noted that the timing of the exercise is particularly significant as Antigua and Barbuda continues to experience strong passenger volumes during the peak holiday and winter travel season. Regular drills allow agencies to identify gaps, refine procedures, and strengthen readiness without disrupting airport operations.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the exercise is also aimed at reinforcing confidence among airlines, passengers, and the wider public that Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation infrastructure is supported by robust emergency preparedness and coordinated national response systems.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority expressed appreciation to the public for its understanding and to all participating agencies and stakeholders for their continued commitment to aviation safety and national security. Officials said lessons learned from the exercise will be reviewed and incorporated into future emergency planning and training programmes.
Media inquiries regarding the exercise may be directed to Ms. Geneva George at gh.george@abairportauthority.com or 484-2303.