With just months to go before Antigua and Barbuda hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), the country’s main international gateway is stepping up efforts to ensure it is ready for one of the largest diplomatic events in the nation’s history.

The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has completed two major tabletop security exercises aimed at testing the airport’s ability to respond to emergencies and coordinate with key agencies ahead of the November summit.

The exercises, held on May 27 and June 17 at VC Bird International Airport, formed part of the authority’s routine security programme but also served as an important component of preparations for CHOGM 2026, which will bring heads of government, diplomats, senior officials, members of the media and support personnel from across the Commonwealth to Antigua and Barbuda between November 1 and 4.

Officials say the anticipated influx of international visitors will place additional operational and security demands on the country’s primary airport, making advance planning essential.

During the exercises, participants worked through simulated security incidents within the airport perimeter, testing their ability to make timely decisions, communicate effectively and coordinate responses as scenarios unfolded.

Representatives from the Airport Authority, law enforcement, emergency services, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), airline operators and other critical stakeholders participated in the sessions.

Discussions covered a broad range of issues, including incident command, emergency communications, aviation security procedures, VIP protection and the management of public information during a crisis.

Emergency Disaster Manager at NODS, Anderson Tuitt, served as Exercise Director, leading participants through a series of scenario-based discussions designed to evaluate existing emergency plans and identify areas where inter-agency coordination could be strengthened.

Airport Security Manager Giffer Jones said the exercises are an important part of ensuring the airport remains prepared for any situation.

“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 said.

She noted that with Antigua and Barbuda preparing to host CHOGM, maintaining a high level of readiness is critical to ensuring the safe and secure operation of the airport throughout the event.

“We know it is important to test our readiness for handling all possibilities while maintaining the safe and secure operation of the airport,” she added.

The Airport Authority says the exercises also support its broader commitment to maintaining world-class aviation safety and security standards as passenger traffic and aircraft operations continue to increase at VC Bird International Airport.

The airport is expected to play a central role in welcoming hundreds of international delegates, making security preparedness a key component of the country’s overall planning for CHOGM 2026.