Questioning of flight attendants just ‘random examination’: Vietnam Airlines

The cash and Vietnamese passports as seen in the footage by 7News, allegedly belonged to Vietnam Airlines attendants. — Photo from 7News

HÀ NỘI — Vietnam Airlines is working with the authorities in Australia to find more information about the questioning of their flight attendants who were carrying large amounts of cash in their personal baggage.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on Saturday released a statement regarding the incident, saying it was just a random examination of passengers and flight crews exiting the country.

They said it had not received any notice from the Australian authorities and had asked its representative office in Melbourne to work with the local authorities to obtain more information.

Citing a report by crew members of Flight VN780 from Melbourne to HCM City on May 23, Vietnam Airlines confirmed that nine out of 11 flight attendants of the flight were questioned by the Australian authorities on the morning of the day.

After that, eight of them were allowed to fly back to Việt Nam later during the day while the remainder was further questioned until 6pm of the same day. The last attendant boarded a flight back to Việt Nam two days later.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) confirmed they are aware of the incident, which was reported by local media in Australia.

CAAV Director Đinh Việt Thắng said on Saturday that the authority is yet to receive any formal notice from the Australian government, and had requested the national-flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to make a report clarifying the case.

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 were found carrying a total of AUD60,000 (some US$41,600) inside 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.

Under Australia’s regulations, any foreigner who brings AUD10,000 ($6,935), or an equivalent amount in other currencies, must make a declaration when they enter or leave the country. Otherwise, they can be subject to fines or imprisonment.

As of current, Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways are two Vietnamese carriers operating regular direct flights to Australia. — VNS