Five flight attendants detained at Zurich airport

Five Air India crew members faced detention in Zurich after failing to possess valid Crew Member Certificates (CMCs), which are essential for airline personnel to operate internationally. Four of the crew did not have any CMC, and one had an invalid certificate. Until recently, crew members could obtain a CMC at the airport for a fee, but a change in regulations on February 5 made this practice no longer possible. Reports indicate that the detained crew members were held in a small confinement area with limited freedoms, only being permitted to leave for restroom breaks. After intervention by local airline staff, they were later moved to a transit hotel, with at least four crew members remaining in Zurich. From a transportation perspective, adherence to regulatory requirements such as the possession of valid identification like CMCs is crucial for international operations in aviation. This incident highlights the importance of clear communication of compliance responsibilities to airline crews, especially when regulations are updated. Airlines need to ensure that their staff is well-informed about transitional regulations and equipped with the necessary documentation to avoid any complications during international travel. Such incidents not only disrupt operations but can also tarnish the reputation of the airline involved.