PAL flight diverts to India after baby couldn’t wait

A MANILA-bound Philippine Airlines (PAL) plane from Dubai was diverted to India on Sunday when a seven-month pregnant passenger went into premature labor mid-flight.

PR 669 left Dubai at midnight Saturday when four hours into the flight to Manila, 40-year-old Mary Grace Alejandro, who was traveling with her teenage son, complained of abdominal pain and went into labor.

The cabin crew helped the woman give birth.

Mother and daughter, however, were in delicate condition that required proper medical care.

This prompted the pilot to divert the flight to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, India.

Upon landing, Alejandro and her new baby were rushed to Apollo Hospital, where they were declared in stable condition.

According to PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna, the baby was on ventilator support and under observation, with a projected full recovery in six weeks.

Villaluna said PAL was in contact with the Apollo Hospital for updates on the patients’ condition while the flag carrier’s general sales agent has gotten in touch with the passenger’s family. Alejandro’s husband and sister are expected to arrive in Hyderabad on Monday.

PR 669 proceeded to Manila at 7:46 a.m. and arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 1:30 p.m.