An Air China Boeing 777-300 operating flight CA856 from London Heathrow (LHR) to Beijing Capital (PEK) was forced to make an emergency landing in Siberia on Tuesday after experiencing an engine malfunction mid-flight.
Flight Details
According to FlightRadar24 data, the aircraft departed Heathrow at 22:43 BST on Monday evening. More than five hours into the journey, while flying over Russian airspace, the crew reported technical problems with one of the engines.
At 08:17 local time, the Boeing 777 landed safely at Nizhnevartovsk Airport (NJC) in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. Over 250 passengers and crew were onboard.
Official Statement
Rosaviatsia, Russia’s civil aviation authority, confirmed the incident:
“While flying from London to Beijing, the crew of an Air China Boeing 777-300 decided to land at an alternate airfield in Russia. The preliminary cause was a malfunction of one of the engines.”
Passenger Impact
Air China announced that a replacement aircraft will be dispatched to Nizhnevartovsk so passengers can continue their journey to Beijing later today. Flight CA856 is normally scheduled as a nine-hour non-stop route between the UK and China.
Wider Context
The diversion comes during heightened caution for international carriers transiting Russian airspace, as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to advise against all travel to Russia due to risks linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
It remains unclear how many British nationals were onboard the diverted flight.
Outcome
Despite the unexpected diversion, the crew acted swiftly and professionally. The aircraft landed safely, no injuries were reported, and passengers are expected to reach Beijing once the relief aircraft arrives.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Flight: Air China CA856 (London Heathrow → Beijing Capital)
- Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-300
- Incident: Engine malfunction mid-flight
- Diversion: Nizhnevartovsk Airport (NJC), Siberia, Russia
- Passengers/Crew: Over 250 onboard
- Outcome: Safe emergency landing; no injuries; replacement aircraft dispatched
