Five Air India cabin crew members were forced to stay overnight at Zurich Airport in Switzerland because they did not have a valid Crew Member Certificate (CMC). The CMC is a document required for flight crews to enter countries without a visa.
When the crew members arrived at Zurich Airport, authorities found that they were missing the necessary travel documents, including the CMC. As a result, they were not allowed to leave the airport and had to stay at a transit hotel overnight. The Zurich Cantonal Police confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed against them for the oversight.
The issue arose because Zurich Airport had recently changed its rules. Until February 5, crew members could obtain a CMC on arrival for a fee of 10 Euros. However, after that date, the CMC must be carried in advance, which caused confusion.
The affected crew members arrived on two different flights over the past week. Four of them did not have a CMC, and one had an invalid certificate. Fortunately, Air India’s local staff helped resolve the issue, arranging the crew’s accommodation at the transit hotel.
This incident highlights the importance of having the correct documents when traveling internationally, and airlines must ensure that their crew members are aware of the entry requirements for every destination. While Air India has not yet commented on any policy changes following this event, it serves as a reminder for all airlines to stay updated on travel rules and regulations.
A Crew Member Certificate (CMC) is an official document that allows airline crew to enter certain countries without needing a visa, simplifying international travel for flight personnel.
Airline Response
This situation highlights how important it is for airlines to comply with regulations when traveling internationally. A similar incident happened in 2023 when a European airline’s crew was detained in Canada due to missing documents.
Airlines must make sure that all crew members have the right documents to avoid legal problems. While Air India has not yet commented on whether they will change their policies, this case is a reminder for airlines to stay updated on entry requirements at all airports.
A Crew Member Certificate (CMC) is an official document issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It allows pilots and cabin crew to enter certain countries without a visa, confirming their status as airline employees and making travel smoother.