An Air Canada flight to Tokyo landed with a tiny extra passenger over the weekend after a B.C. woman unexpectedly gave birth on board.
Victoria resident Ada Guan went into labour about 35,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean on Saturday while embarking on a Japanese vacation with her partner.
New grandmother Sandra Branch told CTV News the couple was just as shocked by the delivery as everyone else on the flight.
“They did a pregnancy test and it turned up negative,” she said. “Turns out she was.”
The couple never would have boarded the flight if they had known, Branch added. Fortunately for them, there were three doctors on hand to help out with the mid-air miracle.
Witnesses told Japan’s Fuji News Network that passengers shared the joy, clapping when the baby was born.
“It was God’s way of bringing this little dear into the world – and what a way to bring her into the world,” Branch said.
The surprised parents decided to name the little girl Chloe.
Their family believes the baby may have been born a bit early, but said she and her mom are doing well in hospital.
According to Air Canada’s website, pregnant women with no history of premature labour can fly within the first 36 weeks of pregnancy.
The Canadian government also says flying within the first 36 weeks is safe, but cautions against air travel after that window.
A GoFundMe page has been started to help the new couple deal with the unexpected expenses.
With files from CTVNews.ca
