So time for another post ? Not really, an enforced layover…

Leaving London we were just about to enter Afghanistan airspace when we turned around, and were informed a passenger had a serious medical issue, later learnt to be a heart attack. Luckily we had 18 doctors onboard ! so turned around and flew back for 1.5 hrs. After landing the patient was stretchered off, and then we were informed of an engine fault !

The A380 in question
Stairs to lower deck only

After sitting onboard for 2 hours, and having breakfast served, we de planned in groups and queued for a security check. We were then informed we all needed a visa, to be completed online, which involved uploading a photo of your passport. This took ages using the slow airport wifi, no Telstra here, and then a further wait for it to be issued.

Doing the Visa
Waiting, waiting

It took just over 3 hours for this to be issued and emailed back. Then another queue to collect baggage, and another for immigration. Total time 6 hours…….It was amazing when the first visa’s started appearing…..cheers as if you’d won bingo. We certainly bonded over it with everybody helping each other out.

Control tower
This country runs off oil…flares everywhere.
Some amazing architecture

Of course after we got to the hotel……yes a long queue to check in

Last queue for the day ?

We are unsure when we are getting home, and have arranged our pet sitters to stay on until we do. This has necessitated them cancelling flights with no refund, so hopefully Qantas will pick up the cost, plus hotel, dinner, breakfast….etc. it’s going to be an expensive diversion for them