Passenger gives birth on Royal Air Maroc flight

RABAT, Morocco - A passenger gave birth on a flight en route to Bologna in Italy from Casablanca, Morocco on Sunday, reported AP.

The 39-year-old woman went into labour shortly after the Royal Air Maroc flight took off. The plane then diverted to Barcelona and the newborn arrived just before the flight landed, according to the news agency.

Royal Air Maroc said a midwife, who happened to be on board, as well as crew members assisted in the baby's delivery.

"Happy event on flight Casblanca-Bologna last Sunday!", the airline wrote in French on its Facebook page. "A passenger gave birth in mid-air to a baby boy with the help of the personnel on board and a midwife passenger. The baby and the mother are both in good health."

After landing in Barcelona, both mother and baby were sent to Sant Joan de Deu hospital and are reported to be healthy.

The flight then continued on to Bologna 50 minutes later, AP also said.

ysheryl@sph.com.sg