An Air China Boeing 777 traveling from London to Beijing made an emergency landing in western Siberia on August 26, 2025, after experiencing engine issues. The aircraft, operating as flight CA856, was forced to divert to Nizhnevartovsk Airport in Russia. This event is notable due to the ongoing restrictions on flights between the UK and Russia.
The flight departed London Heathrow Airport at 22:43 local time and was scheduled to arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport the following day. However, it landed at Nizhnevartovsk at 08:17 local time instead of reaching its intended destination.
Nizhnevartovsk Mayor Dmitry Koschenko commented on the situation: "Early this morning, a flight from London to Beijing made an emergency landing. There are 267 people on board the aircraft, including the crew. Today, the issue of their temporary accommodation at our airport's international terminal is being resolved, and, accordingly, to wait for the reserve aircraft, which should depart for the passengers in the near future."