Video: Flight delayed after mid-air dispute over body odour ends in biting incident

A Shenzhen Airlines flight from Shenzhen to Shanghai was delayed for two hours on April 1 after a heated dispute between two passengers escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in a flight attendant being bitten, according to the South China Morning Post.

The conflict reportedly began as the plane was preparing for takeoff. Seated near each other, one woman complained about the other's body odour, while the other objected to the strong perfume scent. The argument quickly intensified, leading to a scuffle.

Four crew members — two female flight attendants and two male staff — intervened to defuse the situation. During the attempt to separate the passengers, one flight attendant was bitten on the arm. A video from the scene captures her exclaiming, “Open your mouth. You have bitten me!”

Shenzhen Airlines confirmed that the crew member sustained minor injuries and was promptly taken to a hospital. She was reported to be in stable condition.

Both passengers involved in the altercation were removed from the aircraft and taken into police custody. Authorities have yet to announce any formal consequences.

Following the incident, all passengers were temporarily deboarded. The flight resumed approximately two hours later.

In a statement, Shenzhen Airlines urged passengers to travel with civility, reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights and safety of both crew and travellers.