AN AirAsia aircraft operating from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai underwent additional cleaning after a passenger reportedly defecated in her seat shortly before the plane landed.
Flight AK1516 left Kota Kinabalu at about 10.30pm on August 18 and arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport around 3am the next day.
Reports in Chinese media said passengers began noticing a strong odour in the cabin roughly 40 minutes before landing.
The source was later traced to the area around a female passenger’s seat, where faeces were reportedly found on the seat and aisle floor.
A passenger seated beside the woman said she had been travelling with two children and was seen heading towards the toilet with a bag before the smell spread through the cabin.
Passengers initially believed someone had vomited, but soon realised it was a different problem.
One witness said the toilet was only a few metres away and had not been closed for landing when the incident occurred.
The woman was also said to have told fellow passengers that she was feeling unwell.
AirAsia confirmed the incident on August 21, describing it as an unusual hygiene issue that occurred in the aircraft aisle before landing.
The airline said cabin crew immediately worked to contain and clean the affected area using gloves and towels while ensuring the aircraft could land safely.
After the aircraft reached Shanghai, the captain and ground team were informed and a more thorough cleaning operation was carried out once passengers had disembarked.
AirAsia China general manager Frank Tang Ting praised the cabin crew for remaining calm and responding quickly during the incident.
He said the airline’s priority remained the safety and well-being of passengers, while thanking those on board for their understanding. – August 23, 2026
