A Hainan Airlines flight from Beijing to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing in Siberia after a technical issue was detected mid-flight. The Airbus A330-300, carrying approximately 230 people, diverted to Krasnoyarsk in Russia's eastern Siberia.
Flight details and safe landing
The aircraft, operating as flight HU753, landed safely at Krasnoyarsk International Airport at 7:28 am Beijing time. Russia's Emergency Ministry confirmed there were no deaths or injuries, and no damage to the aircraft or infrastructure.
Dozens of emergency crews and vehicles were dispatched to meet the plane upon landing. Local media reported that passengers were British and Chinese, though nationalities have not been officially confirmed.
Airline statement and onward travel
Hainan Airlines confirmed the diversion was due to a 'mechanical fault' and stated: 'On 15 August 2026, our flight HU753 (Beijing–Manchester) diverted to Krasnoyarsk International Airport in Russia due to a mechanical fault. The flight landed safely at 07:28 Beijing time.'
The airline added that it planned to replace the aircraft to operate the onward flight, and would arrange passenger service support to ensure safe arrival. A replacement aircraft was being sent to operate a connecting flight to Europe.
Tracking and context
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows the plane took off from Beijing at about 7:40 pm UTC on 15 August, and touched down in Krasnoyarsk at approximately 11:30 pm UTC. Another Hainan Airlines flight later departed from Krasnoyarsk for Brussels, where another plane connected to Manchester, landing shortly after 9 pm yesterday due to the time difference.
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Russia due to 'the risks and threats from its continuing invasion of Ukraine.'
