The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) will conduct a simulated full-scale emergency exercise at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) on Thursday, October 24, starting at approximately 8:00 p.m. This exercise is a key component of the airport’s Safety Management System and emergency response plan and must be carried out every two years, as required by both The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAA-B) to ensure preparedness for real-life aviation emergencies.

The emergency exercise at LPIA is a critical training opportunity for emergency responders to practice managing a complex aviation incident in real time. By simulating a crash scenario, the exercise will provide responders with valuable hands-on experience in coordinating emergency procedures and managing resources during a crisis.

Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at NAD, highlighted the importance of the exercise as part of LPIA’s ongoing commitment to safety and compliance with international and local aviation regulations. “Regularly scheduled emergency exercises like this one are not only a regulatory requirement but also essential to ensuring that our airport and its stakeholders are fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to actual emergencies,” Hanna explained. “During the exercise, we will work closely with stakeholders to test the response capabilities of various agencies. It provides an opportunity for all entities to practice their roles in a controlled environment, enhancing our readiness for any potential incidents.”

Planning an exercise of this scale requires months of preparation and close coordination among numerous agencies to simulate a realistic emergency response. Cleavon Nixon, NAD’s Manager of Safety & Emergency Operations, provided insight into the level of preparation required for the event. “Preparing for this drill takes months of planning. We work closely with our partners to ensure every detail is covered. This training not only enhances our emergency response skills but also strengthens the relationships and communication channels among all agencies,” Nixon stated.

A total of 14 agencies will participate in this year’s drill, including Nassau Airport Development, Airport Authority, Bahamas Air Navigational Services Authority, National Emergency Medical Services, Public Hospitals Authority, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Air Accident Investigation Authority, Bahamas Immigration, Bahamas Customs, Department of Meteorology, United States Embassy, United States Customs and Border Protection Services, and the Disaster Risk Management Authority.

Recruits from the Royal Bahamas Police Force will participate as volunteer actors, portraying passengers, family members, and friends to make the scenario more realistic.

The full-scale emergency exercise underscores LPIA’s commitment to the safety of its passengers, staff, and the wider community.  By rigorously testing its emergency response protocols, LPIA is better equipped to handle unexpected incidents with professionalism and efficiency.

Ahead of the event, the public is advised that the exercise will involve significant emergency activity, including flashing lights, sirens, and emergency vehicles travelling to and from the airport and on the airfield. These activities are part of the exercise and do not indicate an actual emergency. NAD assures travelers that the exercise will not affect regular flight operations.

LPIA stakeholder to test emergency response during a simulated drill on Thursday October 24th at approximately 8 p.m.