MELBOURNE- Garuda Indonesia (GA) has suspended an entire flight crew after a passenger’s iPhone disappeared during a flight, and tracking data led investigators to the crew’s hotel accommodation.
The incident occurred on June 6, 2025, aboard flight GA716 from Jakarta (CGK) to Melbourne (MEL).
Garuda Indonesia Airbus A330-200; Photo- Aero Icarus | FlickrGaruda Indonesia Crew Suspended
Michael Tjendara boarded Garuda Indonesia (GA) flight GA716 and initially occupied seat 30D during takeoff. He placed his iPhone in the seatback pocket before moving to seat 32E after takeoff to rest during the flight, OMAAT reported.
Upon landing in Melbourne (MEL) at approximately 11 AM local time, Tjendara discovered his phone missing.
The passenger immediately reported the theft to the flight crew, though several passengers had already disembarked, making a thorough cabin search impractical.
Tjendara filed reports with both the Garuda Indonesia (GA) station manager at Melbourne Airport (MEL) and the airport’s lost and found department.
Photo: SkytraxDigital Trail
Tjendara began tracking his device’s location using iPhone’s built-in tracking features.
Shortly after 1 PM, the phone’s location appeared at the Mercure Southbank Hotel, which serves as Garuda Indonesia’s designated crew accommodation in Melbourne.
The passenger drove to the hotel with his family and spoke with the hotel manager, who confirmed the crew had checked into the property.
Mercure Southbank Hotel, Melbourne; Photo- AccorInvestigation Unfolds
The Garuda Indonesia (GA) station manager responded to Tjendara’s report and travelled to the hotel to conduct an investigation. Officials searched several crew members’ rooms, though not all accommodations underwent inspection.
The iPhone’s location remained within the hotel until approximately 4 PM.
The entire crew departed the hotel around 4 PM. Forty minutes later, tracking data showed the iPhone had moved to the edge of the Yarra River, approximately 100 meters from the hotel. Tjendara and the station manager searched the Southbank Promenade area, examining trash receptacles, vegetation, and drainage systems.
At 5:20 PM, the device remained at the riverbank location. By 7:30 PM, tracking data indicated the iPhone had moved to the middle of the Yarra River, suggesting someone had disposed of the device in the water.
Garuda Indonesia Cabin Crew; Photo- Garuda Indonesia (YouTube)Airline Response
Garuda Indonesia (GA) implemented immediate disciplinary action by suspending the entire crew pending investigation completion. The airline issued a statement explaining their decision-
“To facilitate the investigation process, all cabin crew members on duty have been temporarily dismissed from flight duties. We continue to communicate with the passenger and will accompany him until the process is completed, as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers.”
Photo- Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland | Wikimedia CommonsInvestigation Continues
The comprehensive tracking evidence creates a compelling timeline linking the theft to crew members. The iPhone’s movement from the aircraft to the crew hotel, followed by its disposal in the river after crew departure, provides investigators with substantial circumstantial evidence.
The airline’s cooperation throughout the investigation, including the station manager’s direct involvement in hotel room searches, demonstrates Garuda Indonesia’s commitment to resolving the matter.
The temporary suspension affects all crew members until investigators determine individual responsibility for the theft.
The case highlights both the effectiveness of modern device tracking technology in theft investigations and the serious consequences facing airline personnel accused of passenger property theft.
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