Delta captain Malik Sinegal surprised the grandfather who raised him by piloting his grandfather's flight, fulfilling a childhood promise. Albert Partman said he was "really surprised" and deeply happy. Sinegal credited a childhood flight simulator bought by his grandfather for inspiring his career and called the moment "full circle." The family flew together for the first time amid heavy Thanksgiving travel and weather-related return-trip concerns.
Delta Captain Fulfills Childhood Promise by Piloting Grandfather's Flight in Emotional Reunion
12:22 AM, 11/28/2025
Malik Sinegal, a Delta captain, surprised the grandfather who raised him by fulfilling a promise he made as a boy: to one day pilot his grandfather's flight. The gesture came as an emotional holiday surprise that brought the whole family together.
“I'm really surprised by it. I can't be more happy for him and for me too.”— Albert Partman, Sinegal's grandfather
Sinegal recalled that Partman once bought him a flight simulator when the family was struggling financially—a gift that helped inspire his career in aviation. Piloting his grandfather's flight was, Sinegal said, a way to give that dream back to the family and to thank them for their belief and support.
“To finally give that dream back to them and to show them that it paid off — thank you for believing in me. It's a full circle moment, and I finally get to share something I love with him.”
Beyond the emotional significance for the two men, the flight also marked the first time Sinegal flew the entire family together. The reunion underscores how personal moments can intersect with professional milestones.
They were among millions traveling for the holiday weekend: AAA estimates 81.8 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving. Travel officials warn that Sunday is expected to be the busiest day on roads and at airports, and another round of winter weather could affect return trips.
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