A Sri Lankan domestic worker travelling on a Jazeera Airways flight from Kuwait to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, gave birth on board the aircraft in the early hours of today (Oct. 19).
The woman had travelled to Kuwait for domestic work in 2024, 02 years ago.
She is reportedly a 30-year-old resident of the Trincomalee area.
She gave birth while travelling on Jazeera Airways flight J9-551, which departed from Kuwait City Airport at 2.52 a.m. today and was heading to BIA.
Women who are close to giving birth are generally not permitted to travel by air, according to reports.
However, the woman had reportedly worn tight-fitting denim trousers to conceal her pregnancy from airline officials.
The delivery took place on board the aircraft with the assistance of flight attendants and without any complications.
The pilot informed the BIA of the situation, and arrangements were made for ambulances, doctors and nurses to be stationed beside the aircraft as soon as it landed.
The woman gave birth to a baby boy, and both the mother and child were taken to Negombo General Hospital.
Reports indicate that they are currently in good health.
– T.K.G. Kapila, BIA Correspondent