India, Nov. 10 -- As flight delays and cancellations continue to disrupt air travel across the United States amid the ongoing government shutdown, a Delta Air Lines pilot has gone viral for his heartfelt in-flight announcement that comforted anxious passengers.

The pilot, identified as Captain Christopher Pennington, addressed travellers before take-off with an empathetic message that struck a chord online. "I know we probably have a few nervous flyers today, and that's perfectly understandable," he began. "I want to emphasise this aircraft does not move a single inch unless my co-captain Michael and I are absolutely certain it's safe to do," he said.

The pilot also lightened the mood with a personal anecdote about his daughter. "Before...