Flight attendant helps deliver baby mid-air

The occurrence of babies being born in flight is exceedingly rare. Between 1929 and 2018, only 74 infants were born on commercial flights, averaging approximately one baby per year.

It was only a few weeks ago, on the 25th of January, when I shared a story about a baby boy being born aboard a Hi Fly A330 (CS-TCE) while operating the route from Dzaoudzi (DZA/FMCZ) to Nairobi (BO/HKJK).

Well, here is another heartwarming story.

A Brussels Airlines flight from Dakar, Senegal (DSS/GOBD), to Brussels, Belgium, (BRU/EBBR) turned into an unforgettable journey when a surprise passenger made an early entrance into the world. 

In a remarkable show of teamwork and compassion, flight attendant Jennifer Joie, a nurse, and a doctor worked together to help a mother safely deliver her baby mid-air—turning the Airbus A330 galley into an impromptu delivery room.

When Ndeye, a passenger on board, began experiencing severe abdominal pain mid-flight, flight attendant Jennifer quickly sprang into action, calling for any passengers with medical experience. Answering the call was 22-year-old newly trained nurse Lore and a doctor traveling on the flight.

As Ndeye’s contractions intensified, the team moved her to the galley, guiding her through breathing exercises and offering reassurance. Before long, her water broke—and baby Fanta made her grand entrance into the world. As her first cries filled the cabin, the doctor confirmed she was healthy. With Ndeye momentarily unable to care for her newborn, Jennifer gently cradled the baby, holding her close until mother and child could be reunited.
For Jennifer, this was more than just another shift at work. Reflecting on the extraordinary experience, she shared:

“I still don’t quite realize what happened. Helping deliver a baby was something I’d only ever imagined. In another life, I might have been a midwife.”

This moment is a powerful reminder that motherhood doesn’t happen in isolation. Whether in a hospital, at home, or even mid-flight, it often takes a village to bring a baby into the world.

The airline soon took to social media to welcome the newest (and perhaps youngest) member of the Brussels Airlines family, writing: “Welcome Fanta, we hope to see you on board with us one day.”