FIJI- Police are investigating claims of theft and sexual assault involving three Virgin Australia flight attendants during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Nadi, Fiji.
The event occurred after the crew members visited local clubs in the Martintar district.
Virgin Australia Flight Attendants Confined
The victims are still segregated in their rooms at the airline’s approved layover facility while police investigate.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew acknowledged to the Fiji Sun that the official inquiry has begun, adding that police are looking into complaints of theft and rape or sexual assault after the crew’s night out.
Virgin Australia has sent an internal investigation team to Fiji to conduct a parallel investigation and provide assistance to the affected employees. The airline made urgent preparations for the victims’ families to join them in Fiji.
Stuart Aggs, Virgin Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, addressed the problem on January 1st, acknowledging the gravity of the security failure. He highlighted the company’s commitment to crew welfare, noting that helping the affected employees is their top priority.
Similar Incident
Last year, an Air India (AI) flight attendant was physically assaulted at the Radisson Hotel London Heathrow after an intruder entered her room at 1:30 a.m. During the assault, the attacker, who was believed to be homeless, used a clothes hanger to drag the crew member.
Fellow crew members responded to the victim’s distress calls and interfered, leading to the attacker’s arrest. The flight attendant had minor injuries and was treated at a nearby hospital before returning to India.
Air India implemented rapid assistance measures, including expert counseling for the impacted crew member and her coworkers. The airline is collaborating with London police to take legal action against the culprit.
The security breach at the crew layover hotel prompted Air India to speak with Radisson Hotel management about increased security standards.