IN a shocking incident during a layover in Johannesburg, a First Officer from British Airways became the victim of abduction, assault, and robbery, according to reports from UK newspaper The Sun. The unnamed pilot fell prey to a scam orchestrated by thieves, with a woman luring him into assisting with her bags outside a supermarket. The situation took a dark turn when several men pushed him into a waiting vehicle and drove him to a remote location, where he was allegedly tortured for hours until he surrendered ‘thousands of pounds.’
Due to the severity of his injuries, the pilot was rendered unable to operate the aircraft back to London, and a replacement pilot was swiftly arranged, as reported by The Sun. This incident marks the second attack on British Airways employees within the last six months. In a previous incident in 2023, another pilot was stabbed in the leg during a run and held at gunpoint.
British Airways responded to the recent attack, stating, ‘We are supporting our colleague and the local authorities with their investigation,’ as reported by The Sun. The airline’s acknowledgment of the situation underscores the gravity of security challenges faced by airline personnel during layovers in certain locations.
The security concerns in the region have prompted the US Department of State to issue a Level 2 advisory for individuals traveling to South Africa. The advisory urges tourists to exercise extreme caution due to the prevalent violent crime in the area. This incident not only raises questions about the safety of airline employees during layovers but also underscores the need for heightened security measures in locations with elevated risks. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and concerns about the security of airline personnel in certain regions remain a focal point for both airlines and international travellers.