As the holiday travel season approaches, AirAsia Philippines has teamed up with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to bolster safety measures for travelers. This collaborative effort targets heightened security at the nation’s major gateways and seeks to combat potential human trafficking incidents during the peak travel period.
The initiative underscores AirAsia’s commitment to passenger safety and support for government efforts in maintaining security, especially amid rising concerns over human trafficking. Hundreds of AirAsia Philippines employees, including ground staff, security personnel, and flight crew, have undergone specialized training to identify, assist, and report suspected trafficking cases. This training aligns with the growing need for vigilance, as BI reports a rise in trafficking cases, with approximately 700 victims intercepted as of September this year.
First Officer Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines’ Head of Communications and Public Affairs, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling trafficking, “The comfort and wellbeing of our guests and crew is always our top priority. Our strong collaboration with relevant authorities and stakeholders through proper reporting channels and robust safety/security management systems contribute to protecting Filipinos when they choose to fly with AirAsia. As many Filipinos prepare for the end of year holiday travel, traffickers may try to use this time to pass victims off as tourists. Our highly trained Allstars (employees) stay vigilant against trafficking networks that might exploit this season’s excitement, working closely with authorities to ensure our travelers’ safety in order to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.”
This proactive approach was recently put to the test when AirAsia, working alongside the BI, successfully intercepted a potential trafficking case. Such actions highlight the airline’s commitment to maintaining strict procedures for safeguarding travelers and supporting BI in its anti-trafficking efforts.
To further promote safety awareness, AirAsia Philippines encourages passengers to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. As part of its public safety campaign, AirAsia has shared practical advice for avoiding trafficking schemes. Among the tips: exercise caution with overseas job offers that require tourist visas for employment, and verify that recruiters are accredited with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).