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A female Virgin Australia crew member was allegedly sexually assaulted on a New Year’s Eve night out in Nadi, according to reports.
The woman was with a fellow male crew member who was robbed and later taken to hospital with facial injuries in an incident that occurred outside the Bar One nightclub.
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Virgin staff are reported to have travelled to Fiji to support the staff members, along with their families.
The airline operates daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to the Fijian island, with crew sometimes staying overnight before returning home the next day.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka said in a statement on Thursday: “A suspect known to police for the alleged sexual assault has been questioned. Investigation continues.”
“The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated at a local hotel, which is the nominated crew accommodation for layovers.
“The three crew members were also advised by their headquarters to remain within the hotel vicinity to ensure contactability and assist with police investigations. They should return home before the end of this week.
“Regrettably, incidents like this can happen anywhere, and Fiji is not immune. We, as always, remind tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night.”
Virgin said the airline was aware of the incident, and its focus was on the wellbeing of the team members affected.
The Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia’s federal secretary, Teri O’Toole, told the AAP news agency that Virgin had acted quickly to help.
“This is not a very common thing, but it’s not something that’s never happened before, either,” she said.
“It’s very disturbing for their friends and colleagues. Everyone is very concerned for their welfare.”
