As the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda finalizes preparations to host the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), local aviation officials have issued an official public advisory to prepare travelers and motorists for a large-scale security simulation next week. The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) announced that the full-scale security and preparedness exercise will run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, August 10, on the grounds and surrounding area of V.C. Bird International Airport, the country’s primary air gateway.
The simulation is a core component of national readiness efforts ahead of the high-profile multilateral summit, designed to test coordination between security agencies and airport operations teams to respond to potential security scenarios. To support the smooth execution of the drill, temporary traffic restrictions will be implemented on access roads leading into and around the airport terminal and parking areas.
The ABAA is urging all members of the public who intend to drop off or pick up passengers at the airport during the exercise window to plan ahead, allocate extra time for their journeys, and prepare for unavoidable minor delays. Uniformed police officers will be stationed across the airport precinct and surrounding road network to manage traffic flow, while additional plainclothes and uniformed police personnel will be deployed throughout the airport terminal to participate in the security drill.
Local officials have issued a clear appeal to all motorists and travelers to comply fully with all instructions issued by on-site law enforcement personnel, as this cooperation will be critical to keeping the exercise safe, orderly, and efficient. In a statement, the ABAA expressed its advance gratitude for the public’s patience, cooperation, and understanding during the drill, emphasizing that the preparedness exercise is an indispensable milestone in delivering a safe, secure, and successful CHOGM summit for all attending heads of government, delegates, and visitors.