On August 21, Air Asia issued an emergency information note on flight AK1516: Air Asia confirmed that flight AK1516, which flew from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai on August 18, 2026, was in preparation for landing, and the crew discovered abnormal hygiene conditions in the aisle. During preparation for the landing, the crew gave priority to ensuring the safe landing of the flight, and wore gloves and towels to simply clean up the scene. After the flight landed, the crew immediately informed the captain and ground team about the situation and arranged for follow-up cleaning work. After all the passengers had disembarked, the cleaners carried out cleaning and disinfection operations in the affected area. The crew carrying out the return flight have also been briefed on the incident and cabin conditions.

On August 21, Air Asia issued an emergency information note on flight AK1516: Air Asia confirmed that flight AK1516, which flew from Kota Kinabalu to Shanghai on August 18, 2026, was in preparation for landing, and the crew discovered abnormal hygiene conditions in the aisle. During preparation for the landing, the crew gave priority to ensuring the safe landing of the flight, and wore gloves and towels to simply clean up the scene. After the flight landed, the crew immediately informed the captain and ground team about the situation and arranged for follow-up cleaning work. After all the passengers had disembarked, the cleaners carried out cleaning and disinfection operations in the affected area. The crew carrying out the return flight have also been briefed on the incident and cabin conditions.