Originally Posted by
UKTraveller1
The distance from the populated west of Russia until you get to China is huge. I see Irkutsk airport on the map but nothing either side for huge distances. What would happen if the plane ran into difficulties and was nowhere near this airport?
Contrary to much belief, Asian Russia is not a complete wilderness, and there are a number of surprisingly sizeable cities along the way, all of which have significant airports with flights to Moscow and elsewhere. The flight track westwards from Irkutsk pretty much parallels the Trans Siberian Railway, maybe you will make the journey that way one time and see this fascinating country for yourself. Finland, of course, used to be part of Russia, and you will find various elements of the old history scattered around and in the culture.
There have been just one or two precautionary landings there over the years, typically you would be bussed into the terminal, given all sorts of Russian food, and meanwhile Finnair would dispatch another aircraft from Helsinki to pick you up within a few hours and take you on. Don't forget to say "spasibo" to your temporary hosts as you leave, and if they offer you a farewell vodka shot, down it in one
