A plane passenger on a Middle East Airlines flight gave birth on a flight from Doha to Beirut. The baby girl is believed to have been born in the aircraft toilet to a Filipino woman, reported local media. Cabin crew with the Lebanon-based carrier were alerted to the birth and looked after the woman. The infant was born shortly after entering Iraqi airspace, forcing the flight to divert to Kuwait on Saturday.
An amazing photo shows what appears to be a member of Middle East Airlines cabin crew cradling the newborn on the plane.
The baby is wrapped in a shawl and only his slightly bloodied head can be seen.
The image was shared by a Facebook page called Lebanese Plane Spotters with the caption: “Middle East Airlines – Air Liban ME435 Doha-Beirut on the 27th diverted to Kuwait after a passenger onboard gave birth to a baby girl slightly after entering the Iraqi Airspace.
“The professional and well-trained crew delivered the women according to procedures and took good care of the baby until the plane landed.
“It is as we always say, the crew is on board for your safety at first and comfort.
“Hats off to MEA’s ME435 crew for the great job they have done and for the rigorous training they receive at MEA’s training centre (sic).”
The image – which has rapidly gone viral – attracted plenty of comments from social media users congratulating and praising the mother and crew.
“Beautiful story with lovely outcome. Great professionalism shown by MEA flight crew,” one person wrote.
Another commented: “You ladies ruling the skies certainly deserves a standing ovation where ever you go!”
Some also suggested that the baby should now be given free travel for life after its unusual entrance into the world.
Others suggested the infant should be called “Mea,” after Middle Eastern Airlines.
Some were more critical of the episode, questioning why the mother was able to board the place at such a late stage in her pregnancy.
According to the NHS: “Most airlines will not let you fly after week 37 of pregnancy, or week 32 if you’re pregnant with twins or more babies.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Middle East Airlines for further comment on the incident.
In February this year, a woman gave birth to a baby on a JetBlue flight. Incredible photos captured the aftermath of the episode and showed officials cradling the newborn after the plane landed.
The birth took place on flight 1954 to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida, USA from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The flight was only three hours long, during which time the baby was born – with the plane even arriving at its destination 11 minutes early.
The infant was delivered by airline crew and medical professionals on board the plane.
“We’d like to thank the crew and medical professionals on board for their quick action under pressure, and wish the new mother and son all the best,” JetBlue spokeswoman Sharon A. Jones said in a statement, reported NBC Miami.
“Flight 1954 was operated on aircraft N523JB, coincidentally named, ‘Born To Be Blue.’”
