One said: “Emergency landing in #Novisibirsk on @cathaypacific CX250 from LHR to HKG. Apparently smoke/fire somewhere. Waiting for a new plane now.

“Wasn’t expecting to end up in #Siberia @cathaypacific flight 250 from LHR to Hong Kong emergency landing in #Novisibirsk @BBCNews.”

Airliner Cathay Pacific tweeted: “CX250/22Nov diverted to Novosibirsk, Russia as a precautionary measure due to signal of possible aft cargo hold fire. Flight landed safely.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We are assisting passengers to hotel for rest until relief flight arrives.

“We thank the Russian authorities and teams helping us on the ground for their support, and our passengers for their understanding.”