Jet aircraft have triple, and sometimes quadruple redundancy with most systems, when a fault occurs you follow the QRH ( quick reference handbook) complete the required procedures, secure the aircraft, and if it is a relatively serious event, land at the nearest SUITABLE airport. Suitable, taking into account, distance, weather, approach aids, ground support, ATC, familiararity, severity of the occurrence, etc. The captain in making the decision ( in consultation with his F/O) decides on a course of action, and carries it out. Given that the aircraft can stay airborne for say 5 minutes, it is a reasonable assumption that it will stay airborne for 55 minutes, so there is no need to rush. The only reason to rush is if you have a fire on board that you cannot positively confirm is extinguished.
This particular aircraft, though suffering significant damage, still had many redundant systems available to it and could have diverted to a wide array of airfields. The captain made a decision based on the best information available to him.
Does all that make some sense ?
Cheers gazumped