Christmas miracle in Nairobi: Brussels Airlines crew save choking infant

A Brussels Airlines cabin crew member, off duty in Nairobi on Christmas Eve, intervened to save the life of a choking baby, as reported by “Het Laatste Nieuws“. While having lunch with colleagues, flight attendant Ellen Jonckheere responded immediately after a mother cried for help when her infant began choking.

After an initial attempt by a bystander failed, Jonckheere, assisted by fellow crew members Melody De Blomme and Captain Tom Hendrickx, took control of the situation. Applying first-aid techniques learned during recurrent airline training, Jonckheere calmly administered back blows, allowing the baby to regain consciousness. She continued to monitor and comfort the child until an ambulance arrived, accompanying him to emergency care.

Colleagues praised the crew’s professionalism and composure, noting that their coordinated response mirrored in-flight emergency procedures. The baby was taken to a hospital and is reported to be safe and unharmed.