The flight, BW005, was heading from Kingston, Jamaica to New York when the passenger gave birth.

NEW YORK — A woman gave birth on a Caribbean Airlines flight Saturday, the airline confirmed in a statement. 

The flight, BW005 from Kingston, Jamaica to New York, was descending and did not need to declare an emergency, Caribbean Airlines said. 

“We have a passenger, a pregnant passenger, who is going into labor at this time,” the pilot said while communicating with the John F. Kennedy International Airport Air Traffic Controller tower. 

After some organizing, the flight landed safely and the woman and child were met with medical personnel at their gate to get treatment. 

“Tell her she’s got to name is Kennedy,” someone from ground control said to the pilot, who laughed and said he would relay the suggestion. 

“The airline commends the professionalism and measured response of its crew, who managed the situation in accordance with established procedures, ensuring the safety and comfort of all onboard,” the statement said. 

Many ATC radio listeners heard the exchange and posted it online for others to listen to. 

Caribbean Airlines passenger gives birth while landing at JFK this morning.

Kennedy air traffic controller says that she has to name the baby Kennedy! 🤣

Audio via @theATCapp pic.twitter.com/QajfgC5GG4

— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) April 4, 2026

This is not the first time a baby was born while airborne, according to research. A 2020 study by Travis W Heggie, which was posted to the National Library of Medicine, found there were 74 infants born on 73 commercial flights between 1929 and 2018.  

The airline requested privacy for the passenger and her family. No other information is available.Â