WATCH: (Scroll Down For Video) Mario Lopes knew that his son was expected to return from an overseas deployment in mid-April. He also knew that there was a military charter bound for Norfolk, Va., on the same day of his son’s scheduled trip, ABC News reported.<\/p>\n
So, Lopes, a pilot for United Airlines, decided to try to fly that charter. He didn’t know for sure that his son would be on the flight, but – might as well go for it, right?<\/p>\n
“I told my wife that this couldn’t be a coincidence,” Lopes told ABC News. “No one could confirm or deny if he would actually be a passenger on my aircraft, but I knew I had to take the chance and find out.”<\/p>\n
The military charter did have his son aboard, as it turned out. So Lopes’ decision to pick up the flight led to a family reunion, which was captured on video.<\/p>\n
“Apparently this video has made a lot of people cry,” Lopes told a Fox affiliate. “It made me cry.”<\/p>\n
Before the surprise, Lopes “briefed the flight crew before anyone boarded and laid out a plan to divert his son’s attention,” according to a post about the encounter on United’s website. The crew helped Lopes stay hidden until he was ready for the big reveal. Then . . .<\/p>\n
“I made my way behind him and asked, ‘First Lieutenant Lopes, what are you doing on my aircraft?’ ” Lopes told ABC News. “When he turned around we embraced for as long as I could hold him. I cannot express the emotions I felt holding my son after not seeing him for so long.”<\/p>\n
To clarify, here’s a bit more background, according to an airline spokesman: Lopes’ son flew from Kuwait to Germany, where he boarded the military charter. The reunion happened in Germany. United flies more than 500 charters like this a year, according to the airline.<\/p>\n
Lopes told WTTG-TV that his son’s eyes “opened up like saucers” at the surprise. His wife also helped in the effort, baking her son’s favorite cookies, according to United.<\/p>\n
“I have been flying since I was 17, I’ve worked for multiple companies prior to my 27-year career at United,” Lopes told ABC News. “I’ve had a lot of memories, but this flight is by far the most important to me.”<\/p>\n
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