Woman defecates in seat on Shanghai-bound AirAsia flight, toilet reportedly just 5m away
Passengers on an overnight AirAsia flight to Shanghai endured a rather unpleasant final 40 minutes of their journey after a woman allegedly defecated in her seat.
Flight AK1516 departed Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, at about 10.30pm on Aug 18 and arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at around 3am the following day, reported VnExpress International.
About 40 to 50 minutes before landing, a foul smell began spreading through the cabin, waking passengers seated nearby.
According to VnExpress, citing Chinese outlet Jimu News, a passenger surnamed Zhuo was seated with his wife across the aisle from the woman.
He said the woman, who appeared to be in her 40s, was seated between two boys aged around 10.
“It was just before 2am and we were all asleep,” Zhuo said .“She hurried toward the toilet carrying a bag, and then a strange smell came out.”
Passengers initially thought someone had vomited, but later spotted faeces on the aisle carpet and the woman’s seat.
Mr Zhuo said the woman had apparently used a plastic bag, but its contents spilled onto the seat and aisle.
When confronted by upset passengers, the woman reportedly said she was unwell and asked who did not get sick.
Toilet reportedly less than 5m away
According to Zhuo, the toilet was about 5m behind the woman and was not closed at the time.
He said they were seated in row 26 of an aircraft with about 30 rows.
A cabin crew member cleaned the affected area with tissues and sprayed air freshener, but the smell lingered, reported VnExpress.
As the aircraft was preparing to land, Zhuo said the air-conditioning had been turned off, making the remaining 40 minutes “excruciating” for passengers.
Once the plane landed and was taxiing, passengers reportedly crowded into the aisle near the door.
AirAsia disinfects cabin after passengers disembark
In a statement to the media on Aug 21, AirAsia confirmed that cabin crew had encountered what it described as an unusual “hygiene situation” in the aisle as the aircraft was preparing to land.
The airline said crew members prioritised a safe landing while carrying out a basic cleanup using gloves and towels.
The captain and ground team were informed, and the affected area was cleaned and disinfected after all passengers had disembarked.
Crew members operating the return flight were also briefed on the incident and the condition of the cabin.
According to Chinese publication The Paper, AirAsia China general manager Frank Tang Ting commended the cabin crew for their “professionalism, composure and rapid response”.
“Despite the special circumstances, the crew remained focused on ensuring passenger safety and flight experience,” he said.
“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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