Sri Lankan domestic worker delivers baby aboard Kuwait-bound flight to Colombo

A 30-year-old Sri Lankan domestic worker delivered a baby aboard a Jazeera Airways flight from Kuwait to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake in the early hours of Friday. The woman, who had been employed in Kuwait since 2024, went into labour during the flight and successfully gave birth with assistance from airline staff and medical personnel on board.

The unscheduled delivery occurred as the aircraft was in flight, prompting crew members to activate emergency medical protocols. The airline coordinated with ground services to ensure appropriate medical support was available upon the aircraft's arrival at BIA.

Both mother and newborn were reported to be in stable condition following the delivery. Upon landing, the pair received immediate medical attention from airport medical teams and were transferred for further observation and care at a healthcare facility.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers returning home, particularly pregnant women undertaking long-distance travel. Jazeera Airways confirmed that standard emergency procedures were followed throughout the incident and that all passengers and crew remained safe during the delivery.