VN airlines asked to report on attendants questioned by Australian authority
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has confirmed that through local media of Australia, the authority has learnt about a case in which nine Vietnamese flight attendants were questioned by Australian authorities after they were found carrying a lot of cash.
CAAV Director Dinh Viet Thang said on June 18 that the authority has yet to receive any formal notice from Australian side, and it has requested national-flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to make a report clarifying the case.
A Vietnam Airlines spokesperson said its flight crews and attendants are working normally, and the airline has asked Australian authorities for more information about the incident.
Earlier, Australia’s 7News channel reported that nine flight attendants of an airline had been questioned by Australian authorities during a raid by the Australian border force and police.
These flight attendants have been questioned after they were found bringing a total of AUD60,000 (some US$41,600) hidden among their personal luggage.
7News did not mention the name of the carrier or personal details of the attendants who were suspected of committing money laundering.
According to the CAVV leaders, the case is “not very serious,” so that all the attendants have flown home in two different flights.
Under Australia’s regulations, every foreigner bringing along 10,000 AUD (6,935 USD) or an equivalent amount in other currencies when they enter or leave the country must make a declaration, otherwise they will be subject to fines or imprisonment.
Currently, Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways are two Vietnamese carriers operating regular direct flights to Australia.
