Overview

• Authorities have opened a formal investigation despite no public statements from Air China, SF Airlines or China’s aviation regulator.
• Flightradar24 data show Air China Flight CA967 climbed from 34,100 to 36,000 feet over Tuva, bringing it within 300–400 feet of an SF Airlines cargo jet.
• Traffic Collision Avoidance System alarms sounded on both aircraft, triggering emergency evasive action.
• Leaked audio recordings purport to capture confusion from a Russian air traffic controller managing multiple flights, although their authenticity remains unverified.
• The episode has intensified scrutiny of international vertical separation rules and the clarity of air traffic control communications.