Passenger gives birth mid-air during flight to New York

A Caribbean Airlines passenger traveling to New York from Jamaica went into labor and gave birth over the weekend just as the flight was landing.

In a press release, the airline said Caribbean Airlines’ Flight 005 was on its final approach from Kingston, Jamaica, to New York City just before noon on Saturday when the mother went into labor.

When the aircraft landed, both the mother and the newborn were attended to by medical personnel, and the crew managed procedures, the airline said.

“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 airline said in the press release. “Caribbean Airlines also confirms that no emergency was declared during the flight.”

According to air traffic controller audio obtained by CBS News, a ground controller then said the child should be named “Kennedy” because the flight landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

In a March 2020 study by the National Library of Medicine, between 1929 and 2018, 74 infants were born on 73 commercial flights, of whom 71 survived delivery.

According to its website, the airline allows pregnant passengers to fly without medical clearance up to the end of their 32nd week of pregnancy — but does not accept passengers after the 35th week.

Caribbean Airlines did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.

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