AirAsia disinfected the cabin of a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai after a female passenger reportedly defecated in her seat during the descent, causing an unpleasant smell to spread through the aircraft.
Flight AK1516 departed Kota Kinabalu at around 10.30pm on August 18 and was scheduled to arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at approximately 3am the following day.
Passengers later shared accounts of the incident on Chinese social media platforms on August 19. One passenger, identified by the surname Zhuo, said the smell became noticeable around 40 to 50 minutes before landing and woke several passengers seated nearby.
According to Zhuo, the woman appeared to be in her 40s and was seated in the middle seat between two boys believed to be around 10 years old. She reportedly rushed towards the toilet carrying a plastic bag after passengers initially thought someone had vomited.
The situation became clearer when another passenger pointed out waste on the floor. Zhuo said the woman had apparently used a plastic bag, but its contents spilled onto the aisle carpet and her seat.
The incident reportedly sparked anger among passengers, with the woman saying she was unwell and questioning who could avoid becoming sick. Zhuo said the aircraft toilet was only about five metres away and had remained accessible during the incident.
A crew member reportedly attempted to clean the affected area using tissues and air freshener, but the smell remained. Zhuo said the final 40 minutes of the flight were particularly uncomfortable, with passengers later gathering near the aircraft door while waiting for the plane to reach its parking position.
AirAsia said its cabin crew noticed an unusual hygiene situation in the aisle as the aircraft was preparing to land. The crew prioritised a safe landing while carrying out basic cleaning using gloves and towels.
The airline said the captain and ground team were informed once the aircraft landed. Professional cleaners subsequently disinfected the affected area after all passengers had disembarked.
AirAsia added that crew members operating the return flight were briefed about the incident and the condition of the cabin before the aircraft resumed service.
AirAsia China general manager Frank Tang Ting praised the cabin crew for their professionalism, composure and prompt response, stressing that passenger safety and well-being remained the airline’s priority.
