Fijian authorities have launched a formal investigation into an alleged theft and serious sexual assault involving three Virgin Australia crew members who were on layover in Nadi. The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday evening after the crew visited a nightclub in the Martintar area.
According to Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew, local suspects are under scrutiny and he has confirmed that the alleged crimes include theft and rape.
Following the reported assault, the three airline employees have been separated into individual rooms at the Tanoa Hotel near Nadi International Airport. A replacement crew from Virgin Australia has arrived to fly the original aircraft back home, while the airline’s senior management team and family members of the affected crew are also in Fiji to provide support.
In an internal communication, Virgin Australia’s Chief Operating Officer described the situation as a “serious security incident” and reiterated the company’s priority of safeguarding employee welfare.
This episode unfolds amid recent diplomatic strains between Australia and Fiji, adding an extra layer of complexity to the ongoing police investigation.
BREAKING: 7NEWS can reveal a Virgin Australia crew member is confined to their hotel by the airline in Fiji. @ChrisReason7 with the details. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/1oU9ELulMZ
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) January 1, 2025
We’ve seen flight attendants robbed at gunpoint on the way to the airport in Costa Rica and given advice on how to avoid kidnappings in Caracas. Travel abroad entails risks, so does mixing like a local, and airline crew can also be targets.
(HT: Enilria and Paddle Your Own Kanoo)
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