The Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) emergency response will be put to the test today.

Stakeholders will participate in a full-scale emergency exercise this morning.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations require all airports to establish an emergency plan commensurate with the aircraft operations and other activities conducted at the airport.

It is also required that this plan be tested by conducting a full-scale emergency exercise every two years.

This year, approximately 200 persons will simulate an aircraft crash scene, playing the roles of passengers, airline crew, emergency response agencies, airport employees and family members of crash victims.

Participants include the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Civil Aviation Department, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Airport Authority, MED Evac, JetBlue, Bahamas Red Cross Society, Princess Margaret Hospital, Doctors Hospital, New Providence Community Church and Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD).

Nassau Airport Development Company’s (NAD) Public Safety team is coordinating the exercise.

Frank Walker, director of Airside Operations & Public Safety says the full-scale drill is a way to test the soundness of the emergency plan including the response of all agencies involved, and the quality and effectiveness of the emergency equipment and communications at LPIA.

“Our success in a real emergency depends on how agencies work together and execute specific tasks. This is the third exercise since NAD’s existence and after every drill we are able to learn what works and identify areas for improvement,” he said.

Today’s exercise will last approximately four hours and is not expected to impact air travel at LPIA.

Travellers are urged to continue with their scheduled travel plans. NAD is advising members of the public not to be alarmed by the emergency response vehicles in the vicinity of the airport during the drill.