A routine flight from Dakar to Brussels turned into a heroic moment when passenger Ndeye unexpectedly went into labor mid-flight. Flight attendant Jennifer Joie, alongside two medical professionals on board, quickly transformed the cabin into an impromptu delivery room.
As Ndeye’s labor progressed, the crew guided her through breathing exercises. Moments later, her water broke. The pilots began turning the plane back toward Dakar, but before they could land, baby Fanta was already born.
“The first moments were tense—was she okay? Was she breathing? Then, the most beautiful sound filled the cabin: her first cry,” the airline shared on LinkedIn. “Jennifer holding baby Fanta as the plane touched down in Dakar is a moment she will never forget. Stories like this remind us that being cabin crew is more than just flying—it’s about caring for people in any situation.”
A doctor later confirmed that both mother and baby were in good health. Jennifer described the experience as “magical,” adding, “As a cabin crew member, you train for everything, even childbirth—but nothing truly prepares you for the real thing. We stayed calm, worked as a team, and followed our procedures.”
She even joked that if she hadn’t chosen this career, she might have become a midwife.
Brussels Airlines shared the touching story on Instagram, introducing baby Fanta and Jennifer with a message: “We hope to have you on board again one day.” The post quickly gained attention, with many users expressing admiration. One commenter wrote, “Great work crew,” while another added, “Welcome Fanta! What an adventure, what a story!” A third user suggested, “That baby should get a lifetime flying pass with Brussels and its Star Alliance partners.”
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