As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to welcome global leaders for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) running November 1–4, authorities have moved to reassure travelers that V.C. Bird International Airport will stay fully operational throughout the event, with coordinated traffic management measures designed to minimize disruption to both airport access and summit proceedings.
Speaking at a public town hall held Wednesday, Superintendent Elson Quammie clarified that the seven planned traffic control points in the airport area are intended to organize the flow of vehicles, not block access to the terminal. “At the traffic control point, police would not tell you can’t go to the airport,” Quammie emphasized. “Police will be there to give direction, give assistance, and let everything run smooth.”
Traffic restrictions will be concentrated around the Coolidge Cricket Ground, the venue for the accompanying Commonwealth Business Forum. To streamline movement, authorities are implementing revised lane access: the airport’s standard exit will also be used for entry, with traffic cones and temporary signage clearly marking separate inbound and outbound lanes. Quammie noted that all traffic arrangements have already undergone testing during preparatory security exercises, confirming that airport access can remain open while maintaining required security protocols for the summit.
Motorists are advised to avoid Jabberwock Main Road near the American University of Antigua, another key CHOGM venue, and use alternative routes through Royal Gardens, Hodges Bay and surrounding communities. When official delegation convoys are traveling, police have also urged all drivers to pull over safely to the left side of the road and stop until the convoy has passed.
Joseph Samuel, a representative from V.C. Bird International Airport, confirmed that regular flight and passenger operations will continue uninterrupted even as delegations and other VIP attendees arrive for the summit. Multiple government and airport agencies are coordinating closely to manage available road and terminal space efficiently.
Authorities are reminding all passengers and local motorists to plan for extra travel time during the four-day summit and to follow all instructions from on-duty police officers and temporary traffic signs posted throughout the area.