The body of a newborn baby has been found on an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta.
Indonesian authorities have now detained the suspected mother.
The Java-born migrant worker, 37-year-old Hani, reportedly asked the pilot to divert to Bangkok as she had been bleeding and feeling ill onboard.
Hani was taken off the plane in Thailand, however, the baby was not found until the aircraft reached its final destination in Indonesia.
A crew member, Francesco Calore, told the Australian Federal Police (AFP), “The woman was in economy class but then laid on a business class seat with an oxygen mask.”
“The captain then announced we should divert to Bangkok,” they added.
It was also reported that the full-term baby was found wrapped in a plastic bag by ground cleaners, Jakarta Airport police chief Ahmad Yusef told AFP.
“She didn’t look healthy and won’t be questioned until she is fit. The woman is now at the airport’s health centre,” Yusef said.
The cause of death is yet to be determined.
According to Sky News, police have said Hani had previously worked as a domestic helper in Abu Dhabi for four years.
Why on earth have you led with this tragic story? Publishing it smacks of tabloid sensationalism and the article has nothing to do with Australia or its travel community. What were you thinking?