ZURICH- Five Air India (AI) cabin crew members were arrested at Zurich Airport (ZRH), Switzerland for not carrying a valid Crew Member Certificate (CMC), a document required for visa-free entry of flight crew.
Some crew members were held in a detainee cell with restricted phone access and limited movement. Air India’s local staff later intervened to assist them. The airline later relocated them to a transit hotel.
Photo: Mumbai Planes | Siddh DhuriAir India Crew Arrested at Zurich Airport
The detention occurred because the Air India (AI) cabin crew members failed to carry the mandatory Crew Member Certificate (CMC), an identification document issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that allows the flight crew to travel without a visa.
According to sources, the affected crew arrived in Zurich on two separate flights within the past seven days. Four of them lacked a CMC, while one carried an invalid certificate.
Until February 5, Zurich Airport allowed crew members to obtain a CMC on arrival for 10 Euros, but now it must be carried in advance.
Some of the detained crew members were held in a confined detainee cell with no access to food or proper seating and limited restroom use.
They were permitted to leave only for restroom use and were not allowed to use their mobile phones.
Air India’s local staff intervened, eventually securing their release and arranging their stay at a transit hotel. Four of the crew members remained in Zurich at the time of the report.
Photo: DnataAirline Response
The incident highlights the critical role of regulatory compliance in international aviation, similar to a 2023 case where a European airline’s crew faced detainment in Canada due to incomplete documentation.
Airlines must ensure all crew members carry valid documents to prevent legal and operational issues.
While Air India has not publicly commented on potential policy changes following the incident, this situation serves as a reminder for airlines to stay updated with entry requirements in all destinations.
A Crew Member Certificate (CMC) is an official document issued under ICAO regulations, enabling airline pilots and cabin crew to enter certain countries without a visa. It serves as proof of their status and ensures seamless travel.
The recent rule change at Zurich Airport underscores the importance of airline compliance with evolving regulations to prevent operational disruptions.
Photo: By Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | Compounded by Aviation A2ZSimilar Incidents
A Frontier Airlines (F9) pilot faced arrest at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on August 1, 2024. Security footage captured the pilot’s escort in handcuffs down the jet bridge stairs before transferring to a vehicle on the tarmac.
Sources familiar with the incident clarified that the arrest stemmed from domestic issues, dispelling social media speculation about alcohol-related violations. The scheduled Houston to Dallas Fort Worth flight underwent cancellation following the pilot’s detainment.
In a separate incident, Toronto authorities detained Pakistan International Airlines (PK) flight attendant Hina Sani after discovering unauthorized passports in her possession. Sani, assigned to flight PK-789 from Lahore to Toronto, had previously received warnings regarding alleged attempts to transport contraband into Canada.
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