Diversion to deliver baby may prove costly

A Taiwanese woman who gave birth on a flight to the US in what may have been an attempt to give her baby American citizenship could face a hefty bill for forcing the plane to divert to Alaska.

The insurance firm of China Airlines will decide whether to ask the unnamed passenger to cover the cost of the stopover to ensure the health of her baby. The flight made an emergency landing en route from Taipei to Los Angeles on October 8.

Taiwanese media estimated the bill at $33,000, although the airline said its insurer is still calculating the cost. Local media have reported that the woman wanted to give the child American citizenship.