While flying from Ghana to Washington, a United Airlines flight landed with an extra passenger aboard after a woman gave birth mid-flight.
The woman went into labor while on-board a flight from Kotoka International Airport in Accra, the capital of Ghana, to Washington Dulles International Airport on an 11-hour flight. While mid-air, the U.S. bound flight saw the mother-to-be go into labor thousands of feet above the Atlantic Ocean.
34,000 ft above sea level and six hours into the flight, the mother went into labor. The baby boy was said to be due late February, but surprised all onboard and arrived a month early.
Fortunately for the newborn and his mother, Dr. Ansah-Addo, a Ghanaian doctor practicing in the U.S. and a nurse had volunteered to help with the delivery in response to the in-flight call for medical personnel on board.
Nancy Adobea Anane, a journalist and passenger on the United Airlines Flight 997 from Accra, shared the news in a Facebook post. “With assistance from the whole United crew, a bouncy baby boy was delivered 2 hours to landing.” she wrote in the post.
In a statement, United Airlines explained that the crew had “acted quickly” to ensure a safe and effective delivery.
“We were especially thrilled to see the plane land with one extra, especially beautiful, customer onboard,” United Airlines added.
The mother, who was seated in time for landing after giving birth, thanked the crew, the doctor and the nurse who assisted her. Reports say that paramedics were awaiting the mother and her newborn on their arrival.
This is especially bright news for United Airlines, a leading U.S. airline considered to be a good airline for many nationals. After a tough 2021 for the aviation industry on a whole with a string of unruly passengers, this is one positive story for the airline in the new year.
This year, United Airlines, who require a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery for all incoming international travelers, have also created their own Aviate Academy, increasing the number of Black pilots flying the skies.