Magic Merlin
I have no idea of the circumstances, so cannot comment other than to say:
It is possible that the activity that dictated a departure hold, was affecting the climbout area, whilst leaving the approach area open. Maybe, I don't know. Do you, or do your parents, cocooned inside a tube.
As The cute one said, this thread is about the misconceptions of the public. What is seen is not necessarily understood.
Maui