Baby On Board: Passenger Gives Birth During Jamaica To New York Flight

A passenger on an aeroplane flying internationally from the Caribbean to New York City is reported to have gone into labour during the flight, which happened over the weekend.

Flight BW005 departed Norman Manley International Airport in Port Royal, Kingston, Jamaica, at about 7:30 a.m. local time on April 4. The aeroplane, a Boeing 737 Max 8, was scheduled to land at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City about four hours later.

But as they approached the destination, the pilots contacted air traffic control, informing them of a sudden medical emergency on board.

A pilot announces in an audio recording published by CBS News, “We have a passenger, a pregnant passenger, who is going into labour at this time.”

After organising the relevant emergency medical response to the gate, one of the controllers was heard asking, “Is it out yet?” Once it was confirmed that the woman had indeed delivered a baby, a controller offered a fitting name suggestion, saying, “Alright, tell her she’s got to name it Kennedy,” in reference to the airport where they would soon be landing.

In a statement shared by the Caribbean Airlines company, it confirmed a passenger had given birth while en route from Kingston, Jamaica, to New York.

“Upon arrival, the mother and newborn were attended to by medical personnel and are receiving the necessary care,” the statement says, while stating there was no emergency declared during the flight.

“The airline commends the professionalism and measured response of its crew, who managed the situation in accordance with established procedures, ensuring the safety and comfort of all onboard,” the statement said.

While Caribbean Airlines notes on its website that it welcomes pregnant customers onboard its flights without medical clearance through the end of their 32nd week of pregnancy, it also points out that, “Between the 32nd and 35th week, medical clearance is mandatory.”