A Shenzhen Airlines cabin crew member was bitten on the arm while trying to break up a fight between two passengers.
The incident occurred on April 1, just before takeoff, when two female passengers got into an argument over body odor. According to South China Morning Post, one woman was irritated by the other’s body odor, while the other complained about her fellow passenger’s perfume. Seated in the same row on the right side of the aircraft, their verbal exchange quickly escalated into a physical altercation.
Flight attendants and other passengers tried to intervene, but the brawl continued.
Flight attendant attacked during scuffle
A viral video circulating on social media shows a flight attendant desperately attempting to de-escalate the situation when she was allegedly bitten on the arm. Another passenger was also scratched.
“Open your mouth. You have bitten me!” the flight attendant was heard shouting in the footage.
Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after and escorted the passengers off the plane.
The flight was scheduled to depart from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at 5:45 PM local time. However, due to the altercation, all passengers were temporarily deboarded before being allowed to reboard two hours later.
Shenzhen Airlines responds
In an official statement, Shenzhen Airlines affirmed its commitment to ensuring the rights of both passengers and crew members.
“Shenzhen Airlines does its best to safeguard the legal rights of both passengers and its employees. We call on passengers to obey the rules and take your trips in a civilised manner,” the company said.
Authorities have launched an investigation, though it remains unclear what consequences the passengers may face.
Social media reactions
The video sparked widespread discussion online, with many calling for stricter enforcement measures to empower cabin crew in handling unruly passengers.
“Cabin crew need to be able to deploy tasers in incidents like this,” one user suggested.
Another commented, “I suggest this attendant take some vaccines to make sure she has not been infected by any viruses because of being bitten by the passenger.”
A third added, “How many people does it take to restrain two hysterical women? The staff aren’t trained to deal with situations like these, and they should be.”