An 11-month-old infant, who experienced uneasiness during a flight from Qatar to Kerala, passed away at a hospital in Kochi shortly after landing, police reported on Tuesday.
The baby, identified as Fesin Ahammed, was traveling with his mother to their home state of Kerala. The family hails from Malappuram district, as per a report on PTI.
According to a police officer, the infant developed complications mid-flight and was immediately rushed to a hospital in Angamaly after the flight landed at Nedumbassery airport. Despite efforts, the child could not be saved.
The infant, born prematurely, had pre-existing health conditions and was being brought to Kerala for further treatment, police added.
A similar tragedy occurred last year when a four-month-old boy, Sparsh, developed health complications onboard an IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Patna. The flight was diverted to Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), but the infant was declared brought dead at the hospital.
In both cases, authorities acted swiftly to provide medical assistance, but the outcomes highlight the challenges of managing critical health emergencies during air travel.
Advisory for air travel for infants
After the first few weeks of life, air travel is generally safe for most healthy and full-term infants . However, it may not be advisable for premature or pre-term babies since their lungs may still be maturing, according to Mayo Clinic. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional before flying with a baby born early or visiting high-altitude locations.
Infants with heart or lung conditions should also receive medical clearance before traveling by air.
Caregivers should consider their own well-being as well. Flying with a baby can lead to increased stress and sleep loss, and adults are also exposed to new germs and illnesses during travel.
ALSO READ: Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution Asking Centre To Withdraw Draft UGC Norms