A Thai national onboard an Air India Express flight from Muscat to Mumbai gave birth to a baby boy mid-air on Thursday, assisted solely by the flight crew, as no doctor was present among the passengers.
The woman, who was flying with her one-year-old child en route to Bangkok via Mumbai, went into labour around 45 minutes before landing. The cabin crew swiftly responded, using their emergency medical training to safely deliver the baby. Since Mumbai was the nearest airport, the flight continued without diversion.
Upon arrival, the mother and newborn were taken to a nearby hospital, where both were reported to be in stable condition. A female airline staff member accompanied them for continued assistance.
Air India Express, in its statement, praised the crew’s prompt and compassionate action. The team included Senior Cabin Crew Sneha Naga, along with Aishwarya Shirke, Asiya Khalid, and Muskan Chauhan. Pilots Capt. Ashish Vaghani and Capt. Faraz Ahmed coordinated a priority landing, with ATC and medical services alerted in advance.
The unexpected birth has delayed the mother’s travel plans. The newborn now needs a passport and an Indian visa, and due to airline regulations regarding infant travel, the family will remain in Mumbai for at least a week. The airline is working with the Thai Consulate in Mumbai to help facilitate their onward journey.
This remarkable event highlighted the crew’s calm under pressure and dedication to passenger welfare.