Woman prematurely gives birth aboard plane on Spanish island after flight diverted

MADRID – Aviation officials say a woman has given birth prematurely aboard a passenger plane after it was diverted to a Spanish resort island.

The 30-year-old woman, who was in the 26th week of pregnancy, went into labor during the British Airways flight from Abuja, Nigeria, to London, Spanish airport authority AENA and the airline said Friday.

Officials say the Boeing 777, carrying 296 passengers, was given clearance to divert to and land at Palma de Mallorca airport after she began to give birth. Airport medical staff came aboard to help the plane's crew with the birth Thursday. The airline said its cabin crews are trained in birthing procedures and both mother and child were taken to a hospital on the island. The mother and the newborn were in good condition.