Entire Flight Cabin Crew Suspended After Passenger Tracks Lost iPhone to Their Hotel

In a dramatic twist that reads more like a mystery thriller than a typical travel story, an international flight has landed not just in Melbourne—but in controversy. What started as a missing phone complaint by a passenger has now spiraled into a full-blown investigation that resulted in the suspension of an entire cabin crew.

The incident unfolded aboard Garuda Indonesia Flight GA716, which flew from Jakarta, Indonesia to Melbourne, Australia on June 6. Passenger Michael Tjendara alleges that his iPhone was stolen during the flight—and the trail it left behind has sent shockwaves across social media and the aviation industry.

A Missing Phone… and a Big Clue

Michael said he had put his phone in the seat pocket in front of him. After takeoff, he changed seats. Later, when he went back to grab his phone—it was gone.

He quickly used Apple’s “Find My iPhone” app. The location shocked him: the phone wasn’t at the airport—it was showing up at the Mercure Hotel in Melbourne, the exact hotel where the flight crew was staying.

But the story didn’t stop there. The phone’s signal moved toward the Evan Walker Bridge—and then suddenly, it went offline. The final location? In the Yarra River.

Social Media Explosion

Michael shared screenshots and updates on Instagram, asking local businesses to check their CCTV cameras. His post quickly went viral.

Garuda Indonesia Responds

With growing attention online, Garuda Indonesia stepped in. The airline suspended the entire cabin crew of that flight while an investigation is underway.

A company rep was sent to Melbourne to help Michael and support him in filing a police report. The airline’s director, Ade R Susardi, also apologized for the incident and said the crew had followed all basic safety procedures when the missing phone was first reported.

Why This Matters

What started as a lost phone has raised bigger questions about passenger security and crew responsibility. The story has gone viral in Indonesia and beyond, with many calling for stricter checks and accountability.

Michael’s experience is now a wake-up call for airlines everywhere: passenger safety doesn’t stop at takeoff—it matters until the very last moment.