Brussels Airlines Pilot Arrested for Using Fake ‘Fantasy’ Passport at Brussels Airport

A Brussels Airlines pilot was recently arrested at Brussels-Zaventem International Airport for attempting to bypass immigration checks using a counterfeit passport. The arrest occurred earlier this summer, but details have only now emerged following a statement from Ingrid Moriau, a representative of the Halle-Vilvoorde prosecutor’s office.

The incident unfolded as the pilot, slated to operate an international flight, underwent a routine passport verification process. Immigration authorities became suspicious when presented with what appeared to be a valid passport but turned out to be a fake. The document was categorized by prosecutors as a ‘fantasy’ passport, typically created for making political statements rather than for illegal entry due to lack of a valid visa.

Following the discovery, Brussels Airlines swiftly terminated the pilot’s employment. The reasons behind the pilot’s decision to use a fraudulent document remain unclear. However, the case has highlighted growing frustrations among Belgian aircrews over increasingly stringent border controls.

Traditionally, pilots and flight attendants often bypass extensive immigration procedures, with some countries allowing crew members to use a ‘general declaration’ for short work-related entries. Others adopt a lenient approach, assuming aircrew documents are valid due to their affiliation with international airlines. Nonetheless, the consequences of carrying improper documentation can vary significantly across regions, with severe penalties in places like the United Arab Emirates, which may deport crew members just as they would passengers without proper passports.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, paddleyourownkanoo.com