Osprey Flight Solutions: A Data-Led Approach To Countering Human Trafficking By Air

Human trafficking, or trafficking in persons (TIP), has been an enduring concern for the aviation industry from the perspectives of social responsibility and security. Over the last few years, airlines, airports, regulatory and industry bodies have taken significant steps to address the issue. From public awareness campaigns, victim identification training for staff, the implementation of effective reporting methods and increased communication with government agencies, the aviation industry is becoming a significantly more hostile operating environment for those wishing to exploit it for the illegal transport of men, women and children. 

Osprey Flight Solutions contributes to the global movement countering human trafficking and associated crimes through the monitoring and reporting of incidents involving aviation. Between January and October 2021, Osprey identified 503 global incidents involving human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and travel document fraud. In the same period, Osprey issued a total of 41 alerts highlighting significant incidents, providing updates and analysis of regional trends and routes. Osprey alerts also provide practical advice in identifying indicators of human trafficking in aviation operating environments to assist those on the frontline.

Below are a few examples of the routes that have been monitored by Osprey analysts in 2021:

• Jharkhand state, Eastern India: While the predominantly domestic human-trafficking activity from this location had traditionally occurred via road and rail, Osprey analysis identified that measures implemented to address the issue on these methods of transport, plus suspensions of ground transport during the COVID-19 lockdown, led to traffickers beginning to exploit air travel instead
• Philippines to Middle East: Osprey alerts have highlighted the continued use of forged travel documents by Philippines-based crime rings, as well as the involvement of corrupt immigration officials at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (RPLL/MNL)
• Nairobi, Kenya to Middle East and Asia: Alerts have highlighted Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (HKJK/NBO) as a significant transit hub for human-trafficking operations targeting vulnerable people, particularly Ugandan and Ethiopian nationals, who are trafficked to the Middle East and Asia where they are forced into various types of labour, including sex work

As international civil aviation begins to recover and tourism resumes, the demand for sex workers and labourers is likely to increase, and so too will the issue of human trafficking. Since human trafficking often depends on individuals being lured by traffickers' promises of legitimate work, victims are unlikely to display behavioural stress indicators, making them difficult to identify. However, many travel under duress, often accompanied by their trafficker, and so aviation workers should be alert to individuals who display behavioural indicators of trafficking victimisation - highlighted by IATA in their 'Eyes Open' campaign with staff training resources.

Osprey endeavours to support the aviation industry's response to human trafficking and other irregular migration by providing a broad range of detailed, reliable and consistent data. For access to Osprey's aviation security data, as well as COVID-19 and conflict zone intelligence, register for Osprey.

Alexandra James

Aviation Security Analyst

Osprey Flight Solutions