A Thai passenger delivered a baby mid-air on Air India Express Flight IX 350 from Muscat to Mumbai. The crew, pilots, and a nurse ensured a safe delivery.
Mumbai, July 24, 2025: In an extraordinary mid-air emergency that turned into a heartwarming moment, a Thai passenger delivered a baby aboard Air India Express Flight IX 350 traveling from Muscat to Mumbai. The delivery took place at a staggering 35,000 feet above the Arabian Sea, with the airline crew and a nurse among the passengers rising to the occasion.
Key Highlights
- A Thai national delivered a baby at 35,000 feet aboard Air India Express Flight IX 350.
- Pilots Capt Ashish Vaghani and Capt Faraz Ahmed sought priority landing in Mumbai.
- Senior cabin crew Sneha Naga, along with Aishwarya Shirke, Asiya Khalid, and Muskan Chauhan, coordinated the delivery with help from a nurse on board.
- The flight landed around 4:00 am in Mumbai, where medical teams were ready.
- Air India Express is coordinating with the Consulate General of Thailand for the mother’s onward journey.
The Mid-Air Miracle
The routine flight soon became unforgettable when the expectant mother went into labour mid-way. Senior cabin crew Sneha Naga, along with Aishwarya Shirke, Asiya Khalid, and Muskan Chauhan, swiftly transformed the cabin into a makeshift delivery room. Their quick response and professional training ensured both mother and baby were safe.
A nurse onboard volunteered assistance, providing crucial medical help and guiding the crew through the procedure. “It wasn’t just quick thinking; it was humanity at its best,” said an Air India Express spokesperson.
Pilots Seek Priority Landing
Capt Ashish Vaghani and Capt Faraz Ahmed, the pilots of IX 350, immediately alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) and requested priority landing at Mumbai airport. While the cockpit team managed speed and altitude adjustments, the cabin crew worked calmly to assist the new mother.
Safe Arrival at Mumbai Airport
The flight landed around 4:00 am IST on Thursday, where medical teams were already on standby. The mother and newborn were immediately taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance. Airline officials personally accompanied them to ensure all medical needs were met.
Air India Express Extends Support
Air India Express stated that it is coordinating with the Consulate General of Thailand to assist the passenger’s onward journey. “We are providing every possible support to the mother and her newborn,” the airline confirmed.
Timeline of Events
- Mid-flight over the Arabian Sea: Passenger goes into labour.
- Cabin mobilises: Crew + nurse turn the cabin into a delivery zone.
- Cockpit response: Pilots alert ATC and seek priority landing.
- ~4:00 am IST: Flight lands in Mumbai.
- Post-landing: Mother and baby transferred to hospital; airline coordinates with Thai Consulate.
Why This Incident Stands Out
- In-flight deliveries are rare, and this event highlighted the crew’s exceptional emergency training.
- Priority coordination between cockpit and ATC ensured a safe landing without diversion.
- The story is a testament to teamwork, preparedness, and human kindness at 35,000 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did the crew handle the delivery?
The trained cabin crew, with the help of a nurse passenger, safely delivered the baby using emergency medical kits onboard.
Was the flight diverted?
No. The pilots ensured a priority landing in Mumbai without any detour.
What happened after landing?
The mother and baby were taken to a hospital, and Air India Express staff stayed with them for continued support.
Do babies born on flights get free air tickets for life?
It’s a myth. Airlines may offer goodwill gestures, but there’s no universal rule for lifetime free tickets.
Is it true babies born mid-air get free flights for life?
That’s a popular myth. While some airlines have made such gestures in the past on a case-by-case basis, it’s not a standard policy.
What about the baby’s nationality?
Nationality laws vary by country and depend on parents’ citizenship and applicable legal frameworks. Airlines typically coordinate with embassies/consulates, as Air India Express is doing here.