An Egyptian passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing at a Libyan airport on Thursday while en route from Cairo to Cameroon, according to media reports.
The flight, EgyptAir Flight 887/737-800, was diverted to Kufra International Airport after a Cameroonian passenger went into labor shortly after takeoff from Cairo International Airport.
The unexpected medical emergency prompted the pilot to request an emergency landing at the nearest available airport.
Libyan news outlet Aqeel confirmed that the emergency landing at Kufra International Airport, located in southeastern Libya, was due to the urgent childbirth of the Cameroonian passenger.
The Kufra Ambulance Service reported that the airport’s emergency operations center had been alerted about the imminent landing involving a childbirth situation.
In response, an emergency medical team, including an intensive care vehicle, two ambulances, midwives, and a mobile clinic, was dispatched to the airport.
Libyan security and medical authorities at Kufra were placed on high alert, with a specialized team from the local maternity hospital and emergency services prepared to handle the situation.
The medical team arrived at the airport before the plane landed and immediately provided assistance.
Both the mother and the newborn were transported to the women and children’s center for further care.