**United Airlines Pilot Wins Hearts with Pizza After Emergency Landing Delays Flight**

A heartwarming act of kindness by a United Airlines pilot helped soothe the frustration of passengers following an emergency landing that delayed their arrival by seven hours. Tanya Stamos, a 44-year-old US Navy veteran from Woodlands, Texas, shared her experience of the unexpected detour and the pilot's commendable response.

Stamos was on a nonstop United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Houston, scheduled to arrive at 7:00 p.m. However, shortly after takeoff, the flight faced an emergency when a passenger collapsed in the bathroom. The captain promptly requested help from any healthcare professionals on board and decided to divert the flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to seek medical assistance for the unwell passenger.

The plane touched down in Albuquerque at approximately 3:30 p.m., where medical officials took the ill passenger off the aircraft. The initial plan was to refurbish the used medical equipment and get back on course by 5:00 p.m. Unexpectedly, passengers were then asked to exit the plane without any immediate explanation, leading to a period of uncertainty.

Stranded in the New Mexico airport and informed that a new flight crew was needed, passengers faced a long wait, extending past 7:30 p.m. Although United Airlines provided $15 food vouchers, airport restaurants and food outlets were closed by then.

Taking matters into his own hands, the pilot ordered 30 pizzas for the 150 passengers, a gesture that astonished and delighted everyone. Stamos described this action as a profound display of compassion, noting, “Most organizations do not go above and beyond, but that captain did not hesitate.”

New flight attendants eventually arrived, enabling the plane to depart at 11:00 p.m. It safely landed in Houston at 2:00 a.m. the following day. The pilot stood at the front of the aircraft, personally thanking each passenger for their patience as they disembarked. Stamos recalled shaking his hand in gratitude, with many others following her lead.

Stamos concluded by highlighting the pilot’s selfless actions as an exemplary display of love, compassion, and humanity. A representative from United Airlines acknowledged the pilot's efforts, expressing pride in their staff’s dedication to customer care during unexpected situations.