A large Russian Antonov An-124 freighter aircraft, impounded in Canada for over three years, was recently observed moving at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The massive jet was reportedly transferred across the airfield for a brief period to undergo maintenance checks. This marks its first movement since February 2022, when it became stranded following Canada's closure of its airspace to Russian aircraft.
Key Takeaways
- Russian An-124 cargo plane, registration RA-82078, moved for maintenance at Toronto Pearson Airport.
- This is the first movement for the aircraft in over three and a half years since its seizure.
- The plane was impounded by the Canadian government in response to Russia's military actions in Ukraine.
- Routine checks are underway, but its return to service is not expected soon.
- Canada's Attorney General is seeking forfeiture of the aircraft through legal channels.
First Movement in Over Three Years
The Antonov An-124, operated by Volga-Dnepr Airlines, has been parked at Toronto Pearson International Airport since February 2022. It arrived carrying COVID-19 test kits. Shortly after its landing, Canada implemented a ban on Russian-registered aircraft entering its airspace. This action was a direct response to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine.
Recent reports, including footage shared on social media, show the aircraft taxiing briefly across the airport apron last week. This event generated significant interest among aviation enthusiasts online. Many wondered if this movement signaled a potential return to flight for the large cargo jet.
However, officials clarified that the movement was for a technical inspection. An airport spokesperson confirmed the temporary relocation. They stated the aircraft was moved for a few hours to another location on airport grounds for routine checks. These checks are led by the federal government.
"The aircraft was moved last week for a few hours to another location on airport grounds for routine checks led by the federal government," an airport spokesperson said.
Antonov AN-124 Specifications
- Length: 69.1 meters (226 ft 9 in)
- Height: 21.0 meters (68 ft 11 in)
- Wingspan: 73.3 meters (240 ft 6 in)
- First Flight: December 24, 1982
The Story of Its Stranding
The Antonov An-124, with registration RA-82078, landed in Toronto in February 2022. Its mission was to deliver a shipment of COVID-19 test kits. However, Canada's immediate response to the conflict in Ukraine resulted in the closure of its airspace to all Russian aircraft. This left the Volga-Dnepr Airlines jet stranded.
Over time, the costs associated with the stranded aircraft began to accumulate. By June 2022, the plane had incurred more than $100,000 in parking fees. This financial burden continued to grow as the geopolitical situation remained unchanged. The situation escalated further approximately a year after its arrival.
In June 2023, the Canadian government officially moved to seize the aircraft. This decision was based on concerns that Russia could potentially use the jet for military transport purposes. This legal action marked a significant turning point for the aircraft's fate.
Background on Canadian Sanctions
Canada has implemented a range of sanctions against Russia in response to its military actions in Ukraine. These measures include financial restrictions, trade prohibitions, and airspace closures. The seizure of the An-124 is part of these broader efforts to exert pressure on Russia and prevent its assets from being used in support of military operations.
Inspections and Future Uncertainty
While the recent movement for maintenance is notable, it does not suggest the aircraft will return to the skies soon. The technical inspection is expected to continue until September 29. After the initial relocation, the plane was moved back to its original parking position.
The aircraft, RA-82078, is 30 years old, having first flown in 1995. It was delivered to Volga-Dnepr Airlines in September 1996 and served the carrier until its stranding in Canada. Its long stay in Toronto is so significant that it now appears in Google Maps' aerial view of the airport.
The Canadian government is pursuing legal avenues for the aircraft's permanent forfeiture. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that the Attorney General of Canada sought a Notice of Application for forfeiture from the Superior Court of Ontario on March 18, 2025. This legal process will determine the jet's ultimate future.
Diplomatic and Legal Implications
The future of the Antonov An-124 is tied to ongoing legal and diplomatic developments. Russia's embassy in Canada has issued warnings against the permanent confiscation of the aircraft. They argue that such an action would negatively impact bilateral relations between the two countries. However, relations between Canada and Russia are already strained due to Canada's strong opposition to the conflict in Ukraine and the resulting sanctions.
Canadian law provides a framework for handling seized property. It dictates that parties with an interest in seized assets have the right to present evidence as part of the legal proceedings. This means Volga-Dnepr Airlines, or other interested parties, will have an opportunity to make their case regarding the aircraft's ownership and future.
The outcome of these legal proceedings will be significant. It will set a precedent for how seized assets from sanctioned entities are handled. The aircraft remains a prominent symbol of the broader geopolitical tensions between Canada and Russia.
