Sabena flight from Kinshasa to Brussels in 1993. We had a late departure due to fuelling issues and a further delay because of industrial action by French ATC. I had a connecting flight to Heathrow and it looked likely I was going to miss it. When I got to the transit desk, gloomily prepared for an overnighter on a terminal seat, I was rushed through the airport and onto an aircraft (DC9?) that had been waiting for me for half an hour. I wish I could remember which airline it was (possibly British Midland), and to this day remain grateful to the airport staff and crew for getting me back. Oh, and apologies to the disgruntled pax that were delayed on my behalf!
Would that happen today!