FIJI: Virgin Australia crew robbed and assaulted. Suspect questioned and arrested

UPDATE:

Since I posted this, an arrest has been announced.

Police have confirmed that a man was questioned and has been charged with the alleged rape and sexual assault of a Virgin Australia crew member celebrating the New Year. No arrest has yet been made regarding the alleged robbery.

PREVIOUSLY:

The staff of Virgin Australia doing an ‘overnight’ in Nadi, Fiji, was reportedly robbed and assaulted in two incidents in the early hours of 1 January 2025. Details are sketchy, but a person known to the Fijian police has now been questioned as part of ongoing investigations.

Airline support staff sent to Nadi

The media reports that Virgin Australia has organised support staff to be sent to Nadi to assist the affected crew. It is understood that the crew were out clubbing on New Year’s Eve when the attack allegedly occurred.

It’s alleged that the crew were robbed and assaulted sexually, which has been confirmed by the Fijian Acting Police Commissioner.

Some initial reports inferred that the crew were being detained at a hotel airport. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame R Gavoka states this is ‘incorrect and false’.

Crew members and privacy

Virgin Crew Members were confined to the hotel for their safety and to ensure they could assist with investigations.

Teri O’Toole of the Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia acknowledged Virgin Australia’s swift action and urged the media to respect the crew’s privacy and discourage speculation regarding the incident.

Overseas safety

Various authorities pointed out that this kind of incident could happen anywhere in the world. The Deputy Prime Minister reminded tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night.

2PAXfly Takeout

I can only echo the Deputy Prime minister’s advice. Tourists in foreign countries often forget that normal safety rules apply to the countries they visit.

It’s easy to forget that you are a target for some when you are out and about enjoying yourself on festive occasions. This can be particularly true in countries where wealth disparities are greatest and tourists are seen as wealthy.

As the government advice goes for Fiji:

‘Crime in Fiji includes robbery, theft, violent assault, sexual assault and home invasions.

Most crime is opportunistic. The highest risk is in urban areas and at night.’