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AirAsia flight disrupted after passenger's in-seat incident during descent

An AirAsia flight bound for Shanghai was forced to undergo cabin disinfection after a passenger defecated in her seat during the aircraft's final descent. The incident left other travellers exposed to unpleasant conditions for the remainder of the overnight service.

LSN Vietnam · 22 August 2026

AirAsia flight disrupted after passenger's in-seat incident during descent

AirAsia confirmed that the incident occurred on a flight heading to Shanghai as the aircraft was in its descent phase. According to the airline, a female passenger defecated in her seat despite functional toilet facilities being available nearby on the aircraft.

Passengers on the overnight service were subjected to the resulting odour for approximately 40 minutes before the flight landed. The airline subsequently conducted a full disinfection of the cabin following standard health and safety protocols.

AirAsia did not release further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the passenger's actions or whether any formal complaints were lodged. The incident highlights occasional challenges airlines face in managing passenger behaviour during long-haul flights, though such occurrences remain rare.

The budget carrier has not indicated whether the passenger faced any consequences or disciplinary action as a result of the incident. Standard airline policies typically address such matters on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstances involved.