Emotional scenes unfolded on Wednesday during the final landing of an Aegean pilot on a flight from Thessaloniki to Athens, as he announced that he was retiring after 45 years of service.

«Ladies and gentlemen, my dear passengers – and I say dear because you were part of my final landing. After 45 years, this was my last landing, and we did it together. You were always the most important part of the flight: people who do not know me, yet entrusted me with something so precious,» the pilot says at the beginning of the video, which was posted on TikTok.

He went on to say that he had been fortunate enough to fly «with the wings of the Hellenic Air Force» and then for 30 years with «a company that stands shoulder to shoulder with the best».

«As part of this company, I am certain that my colleagues will continue to carry you safely to your favourite destinations and to the people waiting for you,» he added.

«Today I am not changing profession, but way of life – and you were part of it. It was my honour,» the pilot concluded, as passengers burst into applause.

The video prompted an outpouring of emotional comments online.

«How sweet. May he have a happy retirement and a good life,» one user wrote. «Why am I crying?» another commented. «So moving – and it is true how much we trust these people, even though we don’t know them. Some professions really are wonderful,» read another reaction.

«Very moving… May he be well and enjoy his retirement with his family,» another user wrote.