An overnight Emirates flight from Tokyo to Dubai landed with an extra passenger on January 19. Not an extra passenger due to a stowaway or inaccurate weight and balance paperwork, but an extra passenger in the form of a new life – a passenger gave birth midair. The new passenger, and mom, were assisted by the cabin crew until medical personnel met the aircraft upon arrival in Dubai. An Emirates spokesperson said that

"The parent and infant were in stable condition and, upon arrival in Dubai, were met by local medical staff. The health and safety of our crew and passengers is of paramount importance."

Emirates Flight EK319

The birth occurred on Emirates flight EK319, a 12-hour and 12-minute overnight flight, on an Airbus A-380. Despite the medical issue, the flight arrived on time, according to information provided by FlightRadar24.com.

Cabin crew of commercial flights are provided extensive training in assisting with medical issues that might arise en route, such as heart complications or childbirth. The aircraft’s captain – acting in his or her role as pilot in command – can divert to another airport in an emergency. Still, on this flight, the crew landed at the intended destination, Dubai, where the passenger and new baby received medical care upon arrival.

In these incidents, not only is the cabin crew’s assistance critical, but the crew relies on many others to coordinate the response. These include dispatchers – airline company personnel who plan flights and monitor progress throughout the flight – as well as company operations personnel – those coordinating an airline’s ground resources. A team effort is essential in aiding the flight crew in providing resources once a distressed aircraft is on the ground.

Rules for traveling while pregnant

Despite the midair birth that increased Flight EK319’s passenger count by one, births on commercial airliners are rare. Consistent with other commercial airlines, Emirates has rules limiting travel for women in the latter stages of pregnancy.

A review of Emirates’ policy on traveling while pregnant shows that passengers can book a flight up to their 29th week of pregnancy, provided there are no complications or medical concerns. In the 29th week of pregnancy and beyond, a letter from a doctor or midwife is required. Emirates does not permit travel in the 32nd week and beyond in a multiple pregnancy or at or beyond the 36th week in a single pregnancy.

Rules like these have made midair births increasingly rare. However, United Airlines reported a midair birth in early January 2022 on a transatlantic flight. Later last year, Frontier reported a midair birth on one of its flights on May 17, 2022, from Denver International Airport to Orlando International Airport. Other births have made headlines in recent years. Stories abound - apocryphal or not - of free flights for life being bestowed on those born in midair.

Medical incidents like these tend to show the splendid side of humanity – cabin crews and other passengers stepping up to help others in their time of need - lending patience, calmness, and their skills – when it is needed most. Thanks to the crew and passengers of Emirates Flight EK319, a new traveler had an auspicious start in the air.

Source: CNN