Taiwanese woman gives birth at 30,000 feet on flight to Los Angeles

Passengers on board a China Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles were greeted by a very special passenger while they were 30,000 feet (9,144 metres) up in the air last Thursday.

A Taiwanese woman, who was under 32 weeks pregnant, gave birth to a baby girl in the plane with the help of cabin crew and a doctor who happened to be travelling on the same flight.

A video taken by fellow passenger Amira Rajput shows passengers clapping and cabin crew smiling while holding the baby wrapped in blankets.

ABC News reported that the woman was seen biting down on blankets during labour. Rajput reportedly told ABC News that she was "as tough as nails".

The other passengers also did their best to give the woman a stress-free labour, Rajput was quoted as saying.

Taiwan's CNA reported that the flight originating from Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei was scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles.

At about six hours into the 19-hour flight, the woman, who was by herself, told cabin crew that her water had broken.

Although the pilot re-routed the flight toward Ted Stevens Anchorage Airport in Alaska, the woman gave birth just 30 minutes before it landed.

Both mother and child were reportedly in good condition after being taken to the hospital.

Under airline policy, women who are not yet 32 weeks pregnant are allowed to board flights, China Airlines reportedly said in response to media queries.

Nonetheless, pregnant women should seek medical advice before boarding a plane, China Airlines said.

ljessica@sph.com.sg