Baby born mid-air on Air India Express Muscat-Mumbai flight, crew assists delivery
Once the flight landed, both the mother and her newborn were transferred to a nearby hospital for further care. An airline staff member accompanied them to provide continuous support, ensuring they were well cared for throughout the process.'This extraordinary moment not only highlights the preparedness of the crew, but also the spirit of compassion and teamwork that defines Air India Express," Air India Express's press release said.The airline has been in contact with the Consulate General of Thailand in Mumbai to facilitate the mother's journey back home."The seamless coordination between the cockpit and cabin crew, ground staff, medical responders, and airport authorities reflected the airline's values of agility and empathy," the statement added.- EndsMust Watch
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
International Scuba Diving Day: Places to experience the best deep-sea experience
How does the underwater world look? Imagine this: Fish, corals, plants, seaweed, and you swimming right through its beauty. International Scuba Day (today) invites all ocean lovers to take the plunge and explore the mesmerising world beneath the surface. And what better way to mark the occasion than planning your next dive? We asked travel influencers some of the best places to experience scuba diving in India and beyond. International Scuba Diving Day: Places to experience the best deep-sea experience(Photo: Shutterstock) Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life, this islet in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is one of India's top diving destinations, says content creator Mihir Golani. 'It's also beginner-friendly with PADI-certified instructors and calm waters. The waters aren't as crowded and have 25-30m visibility,' he shares. Budget: ₹35,000 - ₹50,000 (with flights to Port Blair, ferry to Havelock, stay, 1–2 dives, gear and instructor) Bangaram & Kadmat Islands, Lakshadweep Want something off-beat? Explore these atolls in Lakshadweep. 'These spots offer one of the most untouched diving experiences in India,' Mihir tells us, adding, 'The water is turquoise blue and houses diverse marine life such as turtles and reef sharks. The place has minimal tourist traffic and unexplored dive sites.' Budget: ₹40,000 - ₹60,000 (with flights to Agatti Island, boat to Bangaram or Kadmat, accommodation, 1–2 dives, permits, gear and instructor) Raja Ampat, Bali, and Komodo, Indonesia Beyond India, travel content creator Nehaa Nambiar recommends these Indonesian islands to get your deep-sea fix. 'Indonesia stands out as the best diving destination. The marine biodiversity here is insane; you see everything from tiny nudibranchs to majestic manta rays in one dive. Visibility can go beyond 30m on a good day,' she says. Budget: ₹33,500 - ₹36,000 for fun dives, depending on region (includes flight and accommodation costs for 2-3) and ₹25,000 - ₹30,000 for a full Open Water course Neil Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Also part of the Andaman & Nicobar island network, this spot is quiet and less commercial, making for a peaceful diving experience. According to Purva, 'Calm waters and certified dive schools make it suitable for first-timers.' Budget: ₹40,000 - ₹50,000 (including flights, ferry rides, stay, Open Water Diving Course training and dives for 3-4 days). Varies by season and course type Koh Tao, Thailand Also known as Southeast Asia's diving mecca, this Thai atoll might be tiny, but offers the most bang for your buck. 'With affordable diving certifications, it's the go-to destination for first-timers. It has great visibility, varied marine life, and many dive shops,' shares creator Purva Joshi. Budget: ₹46,000 - ₹53,000 (includes flights to Koh Samui, boat to Koh Tao, diving courses and accommodation for 2-3 days) Blue spaces for mental ease A growing body of research, such as BlueHealth, suggests that water bodies offer various physiological and psychological benefits. Open blue spaces such as oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers were found to reduce mental distress and antidepressant use, while boosting positive emotions. Even simply looking at blue spaces regularly can aid better sleep, and may support social relationships as people naturally gather at idyllic locations.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Andaman & Nicobar plans commercial helicopter services to boost tourism
The Directorate of Civil Aviation, Andaman & Nicobar administration, has invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from registered Indian aviation companies for introduction of commercial helicopter services from Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) to 11 islands in the archipelago, popular among tourists. The call for EOIs, issued on August 4, is aimed at obtaining response from interested operators and ironing out operational concerns before proceeding to a formal tender. Subsequent to this, based on the responses would float a transparent and competitive request for proposal (RFP) on no-cost-no-commitment (NCNC) basis for selection of the operator. The administration's pitch is anchored in existing infrastructure. On the northwest side of Veer Savarkar International Airport's runway sits a dedicated inter-island helicopter terminal, complete with passenger facilities, security screening, and a hangar. The apron can park up to six helicopters at a time, while a 32-by-29-metre hangar stands ready for operations. Operators to bear full responsibility Under the plan, the island administration would serve as facilitator, offering helipads and related amenities — from waiting rooms to X-ray machines — available at a cost. Operations from Sri Vijaya Puram to all the proposed routes can be undertaken by filing flight plan(s) with Air Traffic Control (ATC) service, provided by Indian Navy (INS Utkrosh), while refuelling would be provided by Indian Oil Corporation. No government subsidies or viability gap funding are on offer. Operators would assume full responsibility for aircraft, crew, passengers safety, and property, along with all insurance and liability obligations. In the year 2024, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands welcomed about 722,000 tourists, marking a steady rise in visitor numbers over the years Rising tourism spurs push for helicopter service Tourism to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has surged in recent years. In 2024, the archipelago welcomed roughly 722,000 visitors, a steady increase that has prompted major investments in infrastructure, according to the Andaman & Nicobar administration. In 2023, the Veer Savarkar International Airport inaugurated a new integrated terminal building capable of handling 1,200 passengers an hour, or up to five million domestic and international travellers annually. Inter-island air connectivity has become a priority. The administration has developed 19 helipads — 12 of them strategically located in popular tourist destinations across south, north, and middle Andaman — opening the possibility of helicopter services that could shorten journeys to some of its most remote and scenic parts. Islands expand sustainable tourism offerings The tourism sector itself is evolving. Around 600 hospitality businesses now operate across the islands, from budget bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodations to luxury beach resorts. More high-end resorts and villas are in development. Authorities are also investing in eco-tourism, heritage trails, adventure water sports, and niche experiences like bird watching and stargazing, with an eye on positioning the islands as a world class sustainable tourism destination. For now, ferries remain the backbone of inter-island travel. Alongside government vessels, seven private cruise boats — each seating about 300 passengers — run daily trips to Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Other islands are still served solely by government ferries, a gap the administration hopes helicopter services might begin to fill.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business Standard
Andaman & Nicobar plan commercial helicopter services to boost tourism
The Directorate of Civil Aviation, Andaman & Nicobar administration, has invited Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from registered Indian aviation companies for introduction of commercial helicopter services from Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) to 11 islands in the archipelago, popular among tourists. The call for EOIs, issued on August 4, is aimed at obtaining response from interested operators and ironing out operational concerns before proceeding to a formal tender. Subsequent to this, based on the responses would float a transparent and competitive request for proposal (RFP) on no-cost-no-commitment (NCNC) basis for selection of the operator. The administration's pitch is anchored in existing infrastructure. On the northwest side of Veer Savarkar International Airport's runway sits a dedicated inter-island helicopter terminal, complete with passenger facilities, security screening, and a hangar. The apron can park up to six helicopters at a time, while a 32-by-29-metre hangar stands ready for operations. Operators to bear full responsibility Under the plan, the island administration would serve as facilitator, offering helipads and related amenities — from waiting rooms to X-ray machines — available at a cost. Operations from Sri Vijaya Puram to all the proposed routes can be undertaken by filing flight plan(s) with Air Traffic Control (ATC) service, provided by Indian Navy (INS Utkrosh), while refuelling would be provided by Indian Oil Corporation. No government subsidies or viability gap funding are on offer. Operators would assume full responsibility for aircraft, crew, passengers safety, and property, along with all insurance and liability obligations. Rising tourism spurs push for helicopter service Tourism to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has surged in recent years. In 2024, the archipelago welcomed roughly 722,000 visitors, a steady increase that has prompted major investments in infrastructure, according to the Andaman & Nicobar administration. In 2023, the Veer Savarkar International Airport inaugurated a new integrated terminal building capable of handling 1,200 passengers an hour, or up to five million domestic and international travellers annually. Inter-island air connectivity has become a priority. The administration has developed 19 helipads — 12 of them strategically located in popular tourist destinations across south, north, and middle Andaman — opening the possibility of helicopter services that could shorten journeys to some of its most remote and scenic parts.
