A KLM flight bound for the Netherlands made an unexpected landing as a woman gave birth mid-air, reportedly causing excitement among fellow passengers.The incident occurred on KLM Flight 588, a Boeing 777, as it travelled from Lagos to Amsterdam, according to Aviation24.
The pregnant woman whose identity remains undisclosed went into labor as the plane cruised mid-flight, leading crew members to improvise by creating a makeshift delivery room in the front galley. With medical staff and equipment unavailable on the flight, the crew had to operate as midwives, helping to deliver the child.
The mother gave birth to a baby girl prematurely, hence the plane had to make an emergency landing in Barcelona, Spain to allow mother and child directly access to medical assistance. Upon arrival, both the mother and child were immediately taken to a hospital. Details of their condition were undisclosed until Marjan Rozemeijer, a spokesperson for KLM, on Tuesday revealed that both mother and daughter were said to be doing okay.
In response to the incident, Rozemeijer stated, “I can confirm that a baby was born on the KL 588 on its way from Lagos to Amsterdam. Due to privacy reasons I cannot make any further statements on the birth.”
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- The birth was unexpected but went relatively well despite staff improvising
- The child was born prematurely and had to be taken to a hospital in Barcelona, Spain for direct medical care
- Both mother and daughter are doing well
