To combat human trafficking through its airports, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced Thursday that it is partnering with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its Blue Lightning Initiative. The initiative trains aviation personnel to identify and report potential traffickers and victims.

"Human trafficking is a growing problem around the world and because it can involve air travel, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is committed to doing our part," said Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter. "By partnering with the Department of Homeland Security and providing these training sessions for airport employees and increasing signage in the terminals, we can increase detection and reporting and work to end this tragic criminal activity."

The partnership launched Thursday at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport with a training session and panel discussion for aviation workers. More than 100 employees from the Airports Authority, American Airlines and other airport tenants attended. Training will expand to Washington Dulles International Airport, and recurrent sessions will keep employees vigilant.

“Today’s event highlights the importance of our partnership with the aviation industry in combating human trafficking,” said DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) Director Cardell T. Morant. “The CCHT commends Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and all of our aviation industry partners for their collaborative efforts to fight this pervasive crime."

Moving forward, all Airports Authority employees will receive a Blue Lightning Initiative quick-reference card with pertinent information and resources for victims and observers of human trafficking. Both airports will activate digital information campaigns throughout the terminals and post signage in locations such as restrooms to help passengers and workers identify potential traffickers and to report their suspicions to the proper authorities.

Read more information here.