Just announced on CNBC that the runway at the airport where the plane landed is long enough for 747 to takeoff. Also this happens more frequently than you may think.
I feel much better now.
I once saw a 747 inbound to JFK line up on a runway in Floyd Bennett field (former NAS)...90 degree turn to port...90 degree turn to starboard and he was back on approach path. But being so low, the banking he did on those turns must have scared the crap outta those passengers.