BORN ON A PLANE

What nationality are babies born in international waters or over a country of no relation of the mother?

This is not an easy question and it has a wide answer depending on multiple factors. Solution? It depends on each country regulation.

The issue is broadly split between two principles, right of blood (Jus Sanguinis) and right of soil (Jus Soli) respectively. The former means citizenship is determined by the nationality of the parents, while the latter is determined by the place of birth. Each country has its specific system.

Thus, each case can be a puzzle. Known example: if a child were born within USA airspace he would become an American National (regardless of the nationality of his parents, just because the Jus Soli).

However, if that country doesn’t allow the child born in the country to become a citizen, it will then adopt the nationality of either the mother or father

What does the Spanish regulation provide?

It would not be automatic except for a baby born on a flight in the Spanish airspace having Spanish parents; accordingly he would be automatically Spanish.

If the parents were foreigners, then, the baby would be considered born in Spain but not Spanish. Notwithstanding, as a general rule, the parents could apply for his Spanish nationality after one year legally residing in Spain.