Woman defecates on Shanghai-bound AirAsia flight, airline responds

AirAsia completed cleaning and disinfection operations after a woman defecated in her seat on a flight from Malaysia to Shanghai, China, according to Chinese publications on Friday (Aug 21).

AirAsia AK1516 took off from Kota Kinabalu at around 10.30pm on Aug 18, arriving at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport about 3am the following day.

About 40 minutes before touchdown, however, a terrible smell permeated the cabin, forcing many passengers awake.

A woman had defecated in her seat, according to multiple reports.

Air-conditioning was also switched off as per landing regulations, and passengers had to stew in the smell for the remainder of the flight.

Speaking with media on Aug 20, the passenger beside the woman recalled that the latter was travelling with two children.

"She was seen rushing towards the toilet with a bag in her hand," the passenger said. "Then a strange smell came out."

While passengers had first dismissed the incident as someone vomiting - a relatively more common occurrence - the smell began spreading and those on board realised something was amiss.

Passengers looked around, only to find faeces on the aisle carpet and on the woman's seat.

The woman reportedly told the other passengers that she wasn't feeling well. 

The toilet was less than five metres away, a witness said, adding that the toilets had not been closed for landing at the time.

Safety and well-being a top priority: AirAsia

In a statement on Aug 21, AirAsia confirmed that there was an unusual hygiene complication in the aisle of flight AK1516 before landing.

Cabin crew used towels and gloves to perform basic cleanup of the area while prioritising a safe landing.

The captain and ground team were contacted upon landing to arrange for subsequent cleaning work, which took place after all passengers disembarked.

The crew of the return flight were also briefed on the incident and the condition of the cabin.

AirAsia China general manager Frank Tang Ting commended the cabin crew for their "professionalism, composure and rapid response", according to The Paper.

"Despite the special circumstances, the crew remained focused on ensuring passenger safety and flight experience," he said.

Tang added: "Passenger safety and well-being are our top priority. We appreciate the passengers' understanding in the face of this unexpected situation."

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