A suspect has been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of rape following an incident involving Virgin Australia cabin crew in Nadi. The individual is currently in custody and is set to appear in Nadi Magistrate Court on Monday.

The alleged incident took place during a layover in Nadi, but specific details have not been revealed by authorities. Officials have assured the public that the case is being handled with the utmost care and urgency.

Virgin Australia expressed unequivocal support for the crew member involved, highlighting their commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of their staff. The airline has been actively cooperating with Fijian authorities throughout the investigation, as stated in a press release issued the previous week.

As preparations are made for the upcoming court hearing, the suspect remains in police custody. The crew members have since returned to Australia, with a female crew member who was allegedly assaulted flying back recently and her male colleague returning earlier after receiving treatment for facial injuries. Meanwhile, five other crew members are still in Fiji, remaining close to their hotel as they assist with the investigation as directed by their airline.

This situation underscores the importance of addressing issues of safety and support for airline staff during layovers, promoting a culture where such incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. As updates become available, the hope is that justice will be served, and measures will be strengthened to better protect crew members in the future.