Russian An-124 Maintained in Toronto Amid Continued Seizure
A Russian Antonov An-124 cargo plane, which has been immobilized in Canada for over three years, was recently observed moving at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). This was due to a brief transfer across the field for maintenance purposes. The aircraft has been stuck since February 2022, following Canada’s decision to close its airspace to Russian aircraft due to Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
Antonov An-124 Specifications
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 69.1 m (226 ft 9 in) |
| Height | 21.0 m (68 ft 11 in) |
| First Flight Date | 24 December 1982 |
| Wingspan | 73.3 m (240 ft 6 in) |
Aircraft Moved for Technical Inspection
According to CTV News, footage has surfaced showing the Volga-Dnepr Airlines freighter briefly taxiing at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This marks the first time the aircraft has moved in 43 months, or over 3.5 years. This development spurred interest within the aviation community about the aircraft’s future capability to fly. However, as outlined by RuAviation, the move was solely for a technical inspection. After relocating to a different airport section, the aircraft returned to its original parking space, with maintenance expected to continue until September 29. An airport spokesperson stated, “The aircraft was moved last week for a few hours to another location on airport grounds for routine checks led by the federal government.”
Background: The Aircraft’s Stranding
Back in February 2022, the Antonov An-124, registered as RA-82078, landed in Toronto with a shipment of COVID-19 test kits. Soon after, Canada restricted its airspace to Russian planes, resulting in this plane’s indefinite stay. By June 2022, parking fees had exceeded $100,000. The situation worsened as the Canadian government seized the aircraft, citing concerns over potential military use by Russia, as per aeroTELEGRAPH reports.
As of now, the aircraft remains grounded at Toronto Pearson International, appearing even on Google Maps’ aerial imagery. Despite recent movement, it’s uncertain when, or if, the plane will fly again.
Future Prospects for the An-124
The Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ Antonov An-124-100, a 30-year-old aircraft first flown in 1995, was delivered to the airline in September 1996. Regarding its future, CTV News Toronto cites Global Affairs Canada: “The Attorney General of Canada sought the issuance of a Notice of Application for forfeiture of the aircraft from the Superior Court of Ontario on March 18, 2025.” Legislative and court processes will determine the aircraft’s future.
Russia’s embassy in Canada has voiced concerns over the potential confiscation, warning against impacts on bilateral relations. Canadian law allows interested parties to present a case in asset seizure proceedings, prompting interest in any defense for the detained airplane.
