A passenger involved in the recent viral dispute onboard an AirAsia flight from Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur has publicly denied claims that the conflict had been peacefully resolved.
The woman, identified as Sunny Yau, spoke out in an interview on Apr. 28 following widespread online attention surrounding the incident that unfolded on Apr. 22.
Videos of the altercation circulated heavily on social media after another passenger, reportedly surnamed Lee, caused a commotion during the delayed overnight flight.
According to Yau, Lee later claimed online that she had apologised and settled the disagreement after the incident. However, Yau strongly disputed that version of events.
“I didn’t accept any apology from her. She is lying,” Yau said during the interview.
Argument Started After Passenger Asked Woman To Lower Her Voice
Yau explained that the flight was originally scheduled to depart Chongqing at around 2:10am, but delays pushed take-off to approximately 3:47am.
Before departure, cabin crew allegedly informed passengers that several travellers had yet to board the aircraft.
Yau then noticed Lee seated across the aisle appearing anxious, leading her to suspect that Lee might have been waiting for companions to board the plane.
After taking her seat, Lee reportedly continued sending voice messages through WeChat while passengers were preparing for departure.
Yau said she initially asked Lee politely to lower her voice, and Lee appeared to comply temporarily. However, when Lee resumed recording voice messages while the aircraft was taxiing, Yau once again requested for her to stop speaking on the phone.
That reportedly triggered the verbal confrontation.
According to Yau, Lee immediately became aggressive and started scolding her. Lee allegedly argued that the phone connection would automatically disconnect once the plane became airborne.
Cabin Crew Eventually Intervened
Yau admitted she then took out her phone with the intention of recording the situation for her own protection.
Lee allegedly assumed she had already been filmed and demanded that the footage be deleted.
Yau described the woman’s behaviour as unreasonable and said she barely had an opportunity to respond during the exchange.
Cabin crew later stepped in to defuse the situation and informed the passengers they would handle the matter.
Although Yau said nearby passengers were not seriously disturbed, many reportedly found the unfolding drama “funny” and became curious about what Lee might do next.
Still, she noted that the delayed flight disrupted hotel bookings and travel arrangements for several travellers.
Passenger Accuses Woman Of Using Controversy For Online Attention
The controversy escalated further after Lee allegedly posted livestream videos online discussing the incident.
A handwritten statement believed to be written by Lee after landing also reportedly claimed that she apologised to Yau after ending the phone call.
However, Yau maintained that no apology was ever made.
“We did not even exchange contact,” she said, challenging Lee’s version of events.
After watching Lee’s subsequent livestreams, Yau said she felt the woman showed little remorse towards affected passengers and instead appeared focused on gaining online attention and views through the controversy.
The incident has since sparked heated discussion across social media platforms in Malaysia and China, with many users debating passenger etiquette, cabin behaviour, and the growing trend of viral inflight confrontations.