What Happens When A Baby Is Born On A Plane?

It’s extremely rare for a baby to be born on a plane – but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. In fact, in the past week, a baby was born on board a Caribbean Airlines flight to JFK Airport in New York, just as the plane was landing.

Dubbed ‘skyborns’, there are thought to be less than 100 people born on flights globally. One study analysing data on all in-flight births on commercial airlines found there were 74 babies born on commercial flights between 1929 and 2018 – 71 of which were known to have survived.

Of the births analysed, 10% were born at 37-38 weeks, 16% were born at 34-36 weeks, 19% were born at 31-33 weeks and 12% were born prior to 32 weeks. To put that into perspective, a pregnancy is considered full-term at 39 weeks – so, all of them were early to some degree.

As the chance of going into labour is naturally higher after 37 weeks (or 32 weeks for those carrying twins), some airlines won’t let you fly if you’re near these dates. But policies differ between airlines. A medical certificate from a doctor or midwife confirming you’re “fit to fly” is typically required after 28 weeks of pregnancy.

First things first, labour can be a pretty long process (although for parents having subsequent children, it can certainly be quicker). Some expectant parents might be able to touch down before their baby’s arrival.

If contractions begin during a flight, the cabin crew should be made aware and they can then move the person to a more comfortable part of the plane. They will also alert the pilot, who will relay the message to air traffic control.

Per Flightright UK, the cabin crew will then make an announcement, calling on any medical professionals among the passengers for assistance. Cabin crew receive basic training on handling an emergency delivery but they aren’t trained midwives or doctors, so do not have the training to deal with complications.

The study charting ‘skyborns’ found in 45% of the births recorded on planes; physicians, nurses, the flight crew and other medical personnel provided medical assistance.

“In extreme cases, the pilot can initiate an emergency landing to provide the mother and newborn with professional medical care as quickly as possible,” added Flightright.

The aircraft might be diverted to a hospital, HuffPost UK understands, however there are other aviation safety considerations for the pilot, and an immediate diversion is limited by the route of the aircraft – for example, if it’s crossing an ocean.

Last year, a baby was born mid-flight from Dakar to Brussels, delivered by a cabin crew member, newly-graduated nurse and doctor (who were passengers).

At the time, Brussels Airlines shared a photo of the newborn baby, called Fanta, held by one of the cabin crew members who helped deliver her, saying: “It was a true reflection of teamwork, care, and the extraordinary moments that happen in the sky.”