According to Vietnam Airlines, flight VN38, operated by a Boeing 787, departed Copenhagen, Denmark, for Ho Chi Minh City on September 5 but was diverted to Yangon International Airport after a passenger went into labour and gave birth in mid-air.
The flight to Ho Chi Minh City had to make an emergency landing in Yangon, Myanmar, to assist the mother. (Photo: VNA)
Baby born safely with help from passengers
About 10 hours after take-off, the Vietnamese passenger suddenly showed signs of labour. The cabin crew immediately provided first aid and made an announcement seeking medical assistance from passengers.
With the help of the crew and five passengers with relevant expertise, the woman safely gave birth on board.
To ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby, the flight crew decided to divert the aircraft to Yangon for an emergency landing.
Vietnam Airlines coordinated with ground service providers and airport authorities in Myanmar to take the mother and baby to hospital for medical examination, monitoring and further treatment.
Flight resumes after emergency stop
After completing the necessary procedures, VN38 departed Yangon at 3.30 am on September 6 local time and landed safely at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City at 6.05 am the same day.
A Vietnam Airlines representative said that although an emergency landing incurs additional costs and disrupts the flight schedule, the airline always puts passengers' safety and health first.
The airline has faced similar incidents before. On January 7, flight VN36 from Frankfurt to Hanoi made an emergency landing in Kolkata, India. On June 24, flight VN524 from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai was diverted to Hong Kong, China, to provide emergency medical assistance to a passenger.
Vietnam Airlines advises passengers to monitor their health before flying. Those experiencing any unusual symptoms should consult a doctor and consider whether air travel is appropriate.
