Operation Flightline

Human Trafficking Prevention in Aviation

Recognize the Signs. Know What to Do.

Human trafficking is a global crime that can intersect with aviation environments. It often goes unnoticed because crews and ground personnel may not know what to look for or how to respond.

Business aviation professionals operate internationally and interact with passengers and FBO environments every day. With the right awareness, aviation professionals can spot unusual travel behavior and report concerns through established channels.

What the Industry Is Doing

NBAA and industry partners have worked for years to raise awareness and provide practical tools for aviation professionals.

• Collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security through the Blue Lightning Initiative
• Industry partnerships with the Air Charter Association, AAAE and Signature Aviation
• Education sessions at NBAA events including the NBAA International Operators Conference and NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)
• Aviation‑specific training resources for operators and ground personnel

Access Training

A short aviation-specific training course, “Combating Human Trafficking in General Aviation” is available to help operators recognize, react and respond to potential human trafficking situations. Developed by the AAAE and Signature Aviation, the web-based course is available at no cost. The training takes less than 15 minutes to complete and can easily be shared during:

• Safety meetings
• Leadership briefings
• Crew discussions
• Flight department training sessions

To request access to the course, email training@aaae.org and sign a simple license agreement.

Know The Signs

The warning signs of human trafficking are often subtle. Possible indicators may include:

• A passenger appears fearful, anxious or reluctant to speak for themselves
• Someone else insists on speaking for the traveler
• A traveler does not control their identification or travel documents
• Travel plans appear inconsistent or unclear
• A person appears unusually monitored or controlled

No single indicator confirms trafficking. If something feels unusual, follow established reporting procedures.

Resources

DHS Blue Lightning Initiative
This initiative provides aviation-specific training and guidance for identifying and reporting suspected trafficking situations.

Aviation Sector Counter-Trafficking Toolkit
Developed by the DOT, this toolkit helps transportation leaders to better understand human trafficking, its intersections, and how to strengthen efforts to combat human trafficking.