Thai pilot leaves cockpit, helps woman give birth on flight to Bangkok

Jakarin Sararnrakskul, a seasoned pilot and father, was commanding a VietJet flight from Taipei to Bangkok, on Feb. 23 when a passenger went into labor.

Informed by the cabin crew about the urgent situation, Sararnrakskul stepped out of the cockpit, leaving the aircraft in his co-pilot's hands, to assist the expectant mother in the airplane bathroom, as reported by Aerotime.

He successfully delivered the baby while the plane was airborne.

Sararnrakskul said that was his first experience with childbirth, a scenario he had never encountered in his piloting career.

In an Instagram post, which comprises a photo of him holding the newborn baby boy on the plane, Jakarin Sararnrakskul wrote in Thai: "I've been a pilot for 18 years and just helped a newborn on the plane today."

A photo of pilot Jakarin Sararnrakskul holding a newborn baby he delivers on a flying plane as posted on his own Instagram account.

Upon the plane's arrival in Bangkok, paramedics were ready to ensure the well-being of both the mother and her newborn.

Both were found to be in good health.

Sararnrakskul expressed his pride in being part of the unique birth, noting the remarkable story the boy will have for his lifetime—that he was born mid-air.

According to a 2020 study, published by the International Society of Travel Medicine, 74 children were born on commercial flights between 1929 and 2018, according to Sky News. All but three survived, the study said.