Antigua Airways controversy continues to influence government decisions on new Air Peace flights. Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed the cautious approach on Saturday.

He spoke during Pointe FM while discussing Ebola concerns in parts of Africa. Browne said officials now take a “very conservative position” on the service.

The government does not want to repeat problems from the Antigua Airways operation. Those issues happened during late 2022 and early 2023.

“We got burnt there, so we’ve been a little cautious,” Browne said.

Browne recalled that migrants from Cameroon travelled through Nigeria to Antigua. Authorities initially believed the passengers were tourists.

However, officials later discovered the migrants planned to reach the United States. Browne said the situation created major concerns for the government.

“They ended up being conflict migrants who were trying to get into the United States,” Browne said.

As a result, the government suspended the Antigua Airways flights. Officials wanted to avoid any suggestion of human trafficking involvement.

“We didn’t want anybody to think, even erroneously, that we were facilitating any form of trafficking of people,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister also described challenges involving migrants already in Antigua. He said many refused offers to return to Africa.

Instead, some attempted to leave Antigua illegally by boat. Browne said authorities faced serious difficulties during that period.

“We had about 600 of them here,” Browne said. “They started to smuggle into the country.”

Despite those issues, Browne stressed support for stronger Africa-Caribbean air links. He said Antigua and Barbuda helped lead those regional connections.

“We have been at the forefront of providing that air bridge between Africa and the Caribbean,” Browne said.

However, Ebola concerns forced the government to strengthen safety measures. Browne said the country must now act carefully.

“In the circumstances of the heightened Ebola situation and so on, we have chosen to take a very conservative position,” Browne said.

The first scheduled Air Peace flight may now travel directly to Barbados. Afterwards, LIAT will transport Antigua-bound passengers onward.

Meanwhile, authorities continue upgrading airport health screening systems. Officials are reinstating infrared thermal scanners and additional health protocols.

The government also reactivated the Infectious Disease Centre as a precaution. Health teams remain prepared for possible emergencies involving arriving passengers.

Officials say the new measures aim to protect public health and border security. They also want to avoid repeating past migration challenges.