Flight crew questioned in Australia just random check: Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines on Saturday rejected allegations that nine flight attendants were questioned by Australian authorities in May for carrying excess cash, calling it "a random check".

Earlier, reports by Australia’s 7News showed Australian authorities on May 23 interrogated nine Vietnam Airlines crew members carrying an excess of A$60,000, divided and hidden inside their luggage.

In a report to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), the national carrier stated that the crew was randomly checked by Australian authorities, who did not make any accusations.

“Our review shows that a report by the crew of flight VN780 from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City on May 23, 2022 mentioned the fact that Australian authorities had checked nine out of the 11 flight attendants on that day,” read the document signed by deputy general director Trinh Hong Quang.

Vietnam Airlines quoted its representative in Melbourne as saying that following the check, Australian authorities had allowed eight flight attendants to return to Vietnam.

Nguyen Vuong Phuong Anh was held until 6 p.m. the same day, then let go. He flew back to Vietnam on May 25.

The flag carrier added it had not received any notification from Australian authorities and asked its representative in Melbourne to work with local officials to clarify the case.

Under Australian law, each foreigner entering or leaving the country must declare if he or she is transporting Australian dollars or foreign currencies equal to at least A$10,000. Declaration failure could result in fines or imprisonment.