Uzbekistan Airways Flight Diverts After Passenger Gives Birth Onboard

A baby boy has been born aboard Uzbekistan Airways flight HY282 during a scheduled route from Istanbul to Tashkent, prompting an emergency landing in Urgench.

The passenger went into premature labor mid-air, but thanks to the presence of two doctors on board, immediate assistance was provided in coordination with the flight crew, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Together, they safely delivered the child at cruising altitude.

Following the birth, the flight captain made the decision to divert the aircraft to Urgench Airport, where medical personnel were ready to receive the mother and newborn. Both were promptly transferred to a nearby clinic for further care.

In an official statement, Uzbekistan Airways congratulated the family and commended the professionalism of everyone involved:

“The aircraft was piloted by Captain Mikhail Azhgirevich and First Officer Elyor Khoshimov. The cabin crew included: Lyudmila Li, Alina Ibragimova, Diana Dyu, Intizor Yusupova, Shukhrat Ernazarov, Fozil Zukhurov, Feruza Rajarova, and Shahzoda Nurullayeva. Special thanks also go to the doctors who happened to be on the flight and offered their assistance - Dilbar Sheripbayeva and Dilshod Nortojiyev.”

The message ended with a warm note:

“May the journey of this new life, which began among the clouds, be as bright and smooth as a flight!”

This marks the second in-flight birth reported by Uzbekistan Airways this year. In January, a baby was delivered aboard a Tashkent-New York flight, which made an emergency stop in Iceland.