With multiple large events such as the FIFA World Cup, Major League Baseball All-Star Game and America’s 250th birthday celebration coming to the Philadelphia region throughout 2026, the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation is increasing its efforts to educate Philadelphia International (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) passengers, employees and airport partners on how to recognize signs of trafficking and report activity to the appropriate authorities.

Human trafficking, which impacts more than 25 million people of all ages, sexes and races each year, can occur anywhere, however airports are common transit points. According to the United Nations, human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by improper means for an improper purpose including forced labor or sexual exploitation. 

"Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in silence, and in Philadelphia we are committed to breaking that silence wherever it exists. By strengthening awareness and training at Philadelphia International Airport, we are empowering travelers, employees, and partners to recognize the signs, speak up, and help protect vulnerable people," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "As we prepare to welcome the world to Philadelphia in 2026, safety, dignity, and opportunity for all remain core to our values—and this initiative ensures our city is prepared, vigilant, and compassionate at every point of entry.”

“By staying alert, airport staff and travelers can play a critical role in disrupting trafficking networks and preventing abuse,” said Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed. “Traffickers use force, fraud, and coercion to control their victims, often disguising abuse as everyday travel. Understanding the signs of trafficking and knowing how to report it can save lives.”

Currently, all badged airport employees are required to watch a Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign trafficking awareness video prior to their employment and when renewing their airport security badges. Signage is also posted on information displays throughout the airport. With its increased initiative, airport guests and employees will see new signage in airport restrooms to reach potential victims and other information displays to reach employees that provide background on the signs of trafficking, understanding the universal hand signal for help and how to report suspected incidents. The Department of Aviation will also share information and tips and additional educational materials through a communications campaign to airport employees and stakeholders and on social media.

Among the signs of trafficking airport guests and employees can look for are:         

• Someone appearing fearful, anxious or submissive.
• A traveler who is unsure of their destination or doesn’t have control of their documents
• Someone being closely controlled by another person.
• A passenger wearing improper clothing for weather or travel route.
• Somone traveling with little or no money or personal items, such as luggage or carry-on bags.

To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).

“Our hope with this program is to not only educate our guests and staff on how to recognize and report trafficking cases, but also to provide victims with materials to make them aware of how to get help,” said Saeed. 

For more information on the Department of Aviation’s campaign, visit phl.org/human-trafficking.