On January 9, the Department of Aviation announced the launch of its comprehensive awareness campaign, “Freedom Starts Here,” in an effort to inform and prevent human trafficking. This initiative comes in anticipation of major international and national events scheduled for Philadelphia in 2026. With the FIFA World Cup, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and the United States’ 250th birthday celebrations expected to draw large crowds to the region, the initiative aims to make ensure everyone, including travelers, staff, and partners at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) are aware of how to spot signs of trafficking and report it. Since airports are common places where traffickers operate, the campaign’s focus is to educate people on what to look for and how to respond quickly to help prevent victims from being exploited. 
“Today, we’re pleased to be joined by elected officials and members of the airport and law enforcement communities to launch an important public safety campaign,” said Department of Aviation Chief Operating Officer Greg Phillips. “Through a new local public awareness campaign, “Freedom Starts Here. Fight Human Trafficking,” we will educate passengers, employees and airport partners on how to recognize signs of trafficking and how to report activity to the appropriate authorities.”
Human trafficking remains a serious issue that affects more than 25 million people around the world each year. It is often hidden in plain sight within everyday travel environments. To help combat this, PHL and PNE are installing new signs in restrooms and other areas to teach travelers and staff what warning signs to watch for, including a universal hand signal that someone can use to ask for help. In an ongoing effort to improve safe travels, all airport employees are required to watch a Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign trafficking awareness video during their badge application or renewal process. The new campaign and communications will reinforce that training and provide useful tips and education.
“Trafficking doesn't always look like what people expect. Human trafficking often happens in plain sight, and the signs can be easily missed unless you know how to recognize them. That’s why airports are powerful places for intervention. TSA agents, flight attendants, airport staff, and even passengers have the opportunity to prevent this,” said Haley Frank, Youth Survivor Advisory Board member with Support Center for Child Advocate’s Project PROTECT.
With the new campaign there will be more information shared through signage, social media, and other communications. The goal is to make sure everyone at the airport knows how to recognize the signs and what steps to take to report any suspicious activity to appropriate authorities. Those steps will help to keep everyone safer during a busy and exciting year.
"It's very important that we educate as many people as possible. If you're a human being, then you can help in the fight against human trafficking. If you care about yourself and others, you too can partner in raising awareness and education so we can stop human trafficking from continuing," said Pennsylvania State Senator Regina Young.
“Human trafficking affects real people, often at moments when they’re isolated or unsure where to turn. With major 2026 events on the horizon and Philadelphia International Airport serving as a key gateway to our city, this work matters now more than ever. I’m proud to partner with PHL on this campaign and grateful to the airport team and community partners who are paying attention, stepping up, and making it harder for traffickers to operate,” added Philadelphia City Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad.
“When we operate together, sharing information, elevating awareness, and building trust, we create an environment where traffickers cannot thrive, and survivors can find help and hope,” said Captain Margo Alleyne-Parker, commander of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
