Heathrow flight carrying 267 passengers stranded in Russia following emergency landing

The Air China jet, carrying 267 passengers and crew to Beijing from Heathrow, diverted to Nizhnevartovsk in Russia’s Khanty-Mansi region.

The flight reportedly suffered the 'engine failure' over Russian airspace.

Those on board have been left in the plane on the runway for hours while authorities decide how to proceed.

It is not yet clear how many British citizens were on the flight.

Mayor of Nizhnevartovsk Dmitry Koschenko said: “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.

“We are in complete control of the situation, that is, we are monitoring it. With the airport management with the government of our district, we are resolving all issues today as necessary. We will, of course, make additional decisions.”

A new plane has reportedly been prepared by Air China to collect the passengers.

One eyewitness told Russian outlet Baza: "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.

"What happens next is still unknown.

“Most likely, the company will 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."

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The flight landed in Siberia at 8.17am local time, after taking off from London at 10:43pm the night before.

They were in the air for a total of 5 hours 34 minutes.

Questions remain over where the passengers will stay while waiting for the reserve aircraft.

UK bank cards will not work in Russia due to sanctions.

The Foreign Office warns against all travel to Putin’s country, as British citizens risk detention or prosecution for activities seen as “against Russian interests.”

The Ural Transport Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the emergency landing.

Nizhnevartovsk is 1,435 miles east of Moscow.

Heathrow, Air China & the Foreign Office have been contacted for comment by LBC.