MUMBAI: In a rare and heartwarming incident, a baby was born on board the Air India Express flight from Muscat to Mumbai.

The delivery was assisted by the trained cabin crew, with timely help from a nurse among the passengers. The airline further noted that the professionalism and preparedness of its crew, coupled with swift ground support, ensured the safe mid-air birth and immediate medical support for both mother and the newborn.

As soon as the Thai national went into labour, the crew responded swiftly, drawing on their rigorous training to ensure a secure and compassionate environment for the birth. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind and composure, the crew supported the guest through the delivery with empathy and professionalism, the statement said.

The statement further mentioned that the pilots promptly alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) to request a priority landing at Mumbai, where medical teams and an ambulance were ready upon arrival. Upon touchdown, both mother and baby were immediately transferred to a nearby hospital for further care, accompanied by a female airline staff member to provide continued support.

The airline highlighted that seamless coordination between the cockpit and cabin crew, ground staff, airport authorities, and emergency responders reflected its values of agility, teamwork, and care.

Air India Express added that it is in touch with the Consulate General of Thailand in Mumbai to assist the guest with her onward travel to her home country.

The flight was operated by Captain Ashish Vaghani and Captain Faraz Ahmed. Senior Cabin Crew Sneha Naga, along with cabin crew members Aishwarya Shirke, Asiya Khalid, and Muskan Chauhan, ensured a safe delivery onboard Air India Express Muscat-Mumbai flight.

"This extraordinary moment not only highlighted the preparedness of the crew but also demonstrated the spirit of compassion and teamwork of the Air India Express," the airline stated