En-route Heathrow to Johannesburg as pax last night when the flight was diverted back to Heathrow from somewhere over North Africa, reportedly Algeria, due to a passenger illness. Overhearing the paramedics on landing, as I did, it might have been an overreaction by the doc onboard, but credit to the SAA aircrew and cabin staff for their handling of the situation. Oh, and the hospitality here in the Business Class Lounge is rather good.
IMHO it's better to be safe than sorry in these situations, especially as no medical diagnosis can be properly made in the air. Despite the immense hassle caused to the rest of us passengers, it's comforting to think that they were willing to turn around and fly 3 hours back to the UK for the sake of that passenger. There but for the grace of God go I!
Aircraft being refuelled/re-stocked and departure No.2 due at 10am.
PS: Last I heard the ill pax was ok. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.