"It Was Magical": Woman Delivers Baby Mid-Air With Help From Crew

A Brussels Airlines flight from Dakar, Senegal, witnessed an extraordinary moment when a pregnant passenger, Ndeye, went into labour shortly after takeoff. The airline shared the heartwarming incident on Instagram, describing how cabin crew and passengers came together to ensure the safe delivery of baby Fanta.

"It Was Magical": Woman Welcomes Baby Mid-Air With Help from Crew

Not long after departure, Ndeye alerted the crew that she was in “severe pain." Flight attendant Jennifer Joie quickly assessed the situation and realised these were contractions. Recognising the urgency, she immediately put out a call for medical professionals on board. Two passengers, a doctor and a 22-year-old nurse, stepped in to assist.

As Ndeye’s labour progressed, the team helped her through breathing exercises, trying to keep her calm and comfortable. Then, her water broke. The pilots decided to turn the plane back towards Dakar for an emergency landing, but before they could reach the airport, baby Fanta made her arrival mid-flight.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brussels Airlines (@flyingbrussels)

The airline also posted the news on their LinkedIn post and wrote, "The first moments were tense, was she okay? Was she breathing? And then, the most beautiful sound filled the cabin: her first cry." The entire crew and passengers breathed a sigh of relief as the newborn let out her first wail. The doctor onboard confirmed that both mother and baby were healthy.

Jennifer Joie, who played a key role in the delivery, later held baby Fanta in her arms as the plane landed safely in Dakar. "Holding baby Fanta in her arms as they landed in Dakar is a moment Jennifer will never forget," the airline added.

Reflecting on the experience, Jennifer described it as nothing short of magical. “As a cabin crew member, you train for everything, even childbirth, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. But we stayed calm, worked as a team, and followed our procedures," she shared. She even joked about an alternate career path, saying, “If I hadn’t chosen this career, I might have been a midwife instead." 

The airline also shared a sweet message, “We hope to have you on board again one day."