BA flight diverted after birth at 36,000ft

A BA plane had to make an unplanned stop-off at Mallorca after a woman went into labour during the flight.

The plane was flying from Nigeria to London but had to make the emergency landing on the Spanish island after a woman started to give birth.

The plane, which was carrying 296 passengers, was en-route from Abuja, Nigeria, to London.

When the 30-year-old Nigerian woman went into labour in business class at 36,000ft, the BA pilot of the Boeing 777 diverted the plane to Palma de Mallorca.

As soon as the plane touched down at Palma's Son Sant Joan airport on the Balearic Island, the woman gave birth, with cabin crew doing what they could to help.

A British Airways spokesperson said: “Our cabin crew, who are trained in birthing procedures, assisted with the delivery of a baby on board our flight from Abuja.

“The Captain diverted the aircraft to Palma so that mum and baby could be taken to hospital. We are in touch and will continue to provide any support and help we can. We wish the mother and her little one all the very best.”

Under BA rules and regulations, pregnant woman can fly with the company until the end of their 36th week.

Reportedly, the woman was 26 weeks pregnant. Mother and baby are currently doing well after receiving medical attention at a Mallorca hospital.

Once the emergency was dealt with, the plane continued on to the UK, arriving some two hours later than planned.