INDIA: A 26-YEAR-old Tanzanian passenger safely delivered a baby girl while transiting through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai on February 10th this year, after experiencing sudden labour pains in the International-to-International transit corridor.
Airport medical teams received an emergency alert at 5:17 a.m and responded within minutes, finding the passenger in active labour with signs of imminent delivery.
With support from airport stakeholders, the woman was transferred to an airside ambulance, while Terminal Operations coordinated with immigration authorities to expedite a temporary transit visa, preventing procedural delays during the medical emergency.
“Passenger safety is our first priority. Our teams responded immediately, followed established emergency protocols and coordinated with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the mother received timely care and safe transfer for further medical attention. We are relieved that both mother and baby are stable,” an airport spokesperson said.
By 5:40 a.m, the ambulance departed for a nearby hospital with medical personnel and airline staff on board.
However, as the vehicle made its way through early morning traffic, the passenger progressed into full labour.
At 5:45 a.m, the medical team successfully assisted in delivering a healthy baby girl inside the ambulance. Immediate neonatal care was provided, including cord clamping and initial stabilisation.
Both mother and newborn arrived at the hospital’s emergency unit at 5:55 a.m for further obstetric and paediatric care. Hospital authorities later confirmed that both were stable and in good health and continued to receive standard postdelivery care.
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The emergency response involved coordinated efforts among airport medical services, Terminal Operations, airline representatives, immigration officials and security personnel.
As international travel through major transit hubs continues to grow, including among travellers from Tanzania, the incident highlights the importance of well-tested emergency protocols, trained medical teams and effective on-ground coordination to manage unexpected health situations in real time.