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The successful delivery was the result of seamless teamwork by airport doctors, paramedics, operations staff and security personnel
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The incident highlights how airports are not just travel hubs but also critical spaces where preparedness and compassion can save lives
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In this case, a moment of crisis turned into a joyful beginning for a family far from home
In a remarkable early-morning incident, a baby girl was safely delivered inside an airport ambulance at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), thanks to the swift response of medical and operational teams.
The emergency unfolded at around 5:17 am on February 10, when airport medical staff were alerted about a pregnant transit passenger in distress. The 26-year-old woman from Tanzania, who was about 36 weeks pregnant, was experiencing severe abdominal pain while transiting through the international terminal.
Doctors quickly reached her and found that she was in active labour, with contractions and signs that childbirth was imminent. Recognising the urgency, the medical team arranged her transfer on a stretcher to an airport ambulance
Terminal operations staff, airline personnel, immigration officials and CISF security officers coordinated closely to ensure there were no delays, including issuing a temporary transit visa so she could be moved to a hospital without complications.
By 5:40 am, the ambulance had departed the airport. However, during the journey, the woman went into full labour. With no time to wait, the airport medical team assisted her inside the moving vehicle. At around 5:45 am, she delivered a healthy baby girl in the ambulance.
The newborn received immediate medical care, including cord clamping, suctioning and skin-to-skin contact with the mother to stabilise her condition. Both mother and child were rushed to a hospital by 5:55 am, where doctors confirmed they were stable and receiving further care.
