Heathrow flight forced to make emergency landing in Russia amid ‘engine failure’

A Heathrow flight to Beijing has been forced to make an emergency landing in Russia due to “engine failure.”

The flight was carrying 311 passengers and crew members destined to Beijing and was forced to divert to Nizhnevartovsk in Russia’s Khanty-Mansi region at 8.17am local time.

An eyewitness told Russian media that airport services we’re “on high alert for the unexpected guest.

It’s not every year that such a flight from the UK arrives in Nizhnevartovsk,” the witness said.

“But they prepared quickly.

A suitable boarding ramp was immediately brought to the plane.

What happens next is still unknown.

🇬🇧🇨🇳🇷🇺 A Boeing airplane flying the London — Beijing route made an emergency landing in Nizhnevartovsk.

“The Air China flight from Beijing to London decided to land at a reserve airfield in Russia due to a malfunction of one of the engines” — Rosaviatsia, Russians aviation… pic.twitter.com/xjBc6a2llT

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) August 26, 2025

The witness said the “company will (most likely) send a reserve aircraft along with technicians and parts.”

“Since local technicians definitely will not be able to repair such a large airliner in Nizhnevartovsk,” the witness added.

Russian news outlet Baza, which has links to the Russian security services, said, “Airport services were on high alert for the unexpected guest. It’s not every year that such a flight from the UK arrives in Nizhnevartovsk.

“But they prepared quickly — a suitable boarding ramp was immediately brought to the plane.”

Baza reported that there was “no panic” and the passengers have been told that as a result of the emergency landing they will have some hardship.

The report added, It is also unknown where such a large number of passengers will stay during the time the reserve aircraft is en route,.

It will be difficult to fit all the people in the local airport’s holding area.”