A mid-air brawl broke out on an AirAsia X flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu on Monday after a group of women reportedly refused to quiet down during a dimmed cabin period.
Daily Mail reported that the incident saw punches thrown mid-way through the four-hour journey on flight D7326, prompting an investigation by Chinese authorities.
Witnesses said the incident started when a male passenger seated behind three young women became visibly frustrated when they continued talking loudly after the cabin lights were turned off.
He reportedly asked them to lower their voices so he could sleep, but the group refused to comply. The situation escalated when the man allegedly called the women “stupid” and told them to “shut up”.
Footage captured by a fellow passenger shows a woman in a green outfit and baseball cap repeatedly punching the man, who was seen shielding himself with a food tray as the scuffle intensified.
The cabin crew stepped in and managed to defuse the situation. Police were stationed at the Chengdu airport to question those involved in the incident upon arrival.
In a statement, AirAsia X said its cabin crew acted swiftly and professionally to manage the situation in line with established safety protocols.
It also said the incident did not impact the return flight schedules or disrupt operations.
“AAX would like to remind all guests to be respectful throughout their journey,” it said.
“The airline maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour that may affect the comfort, safety, or experience of others onboard.”
