Dubai: A woman gave birth to a child on board an Emirates flight from Dubai to Manila, Gulf News has learnt.

The flight was diverted to Kolkata where mother and child were sent to hospital for further care, according to witnesses. The flight then took off for Manila.

An Emirates spokesperson said:  “Today’s Emirates flight EK332 Dubai to Manila diverted to Calcutta in order to obtain medical assistance for a passenger. The safety of our passengers and crew is of the highest importance and will not be compromised.”