In February 2022, an Antonov 124 landed at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. That aircraft never left and has been sitting at the airport for over two years now.

The issue of this aircraft's future has been a major topic of concern for some time. Today, we will explore a new development regarding the ownership of this massive cargo aircraft.

Stranded Overseas

On February 27th, 2022, a Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov 124 arrived in Toronto, delivering vital medical supplies to assist Canada's response to the pandemic. 

The aircraft was a 26-year-old example registered RA-82078.

This was mere hours before the Canadian government imposed restrictions on Russian aircraft in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

As the aircraft prepared to depart, it was soon made clear that it would not be able to leave Canada due to the restrictions.

The aircraft was soon impounded and parked on the north side of the airfield. Given its position right by a busy roadway, it has remained an unmissable sight for passersby.

In June 2023, the Canadian government amended the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act, which ultimately allowed the government to seize the aircraft.

At the time, the Canadian government noted that the aircraft could be handed over to Ukraine once it was seized, noting the following:
 

"The Government of Canada will seize the asset [the Antonov 124] and manage it by federal legislation. Should the asset ultimately be forfeited to the Crown, Canada will work with the Government of Ukraine on options to redistribute this asset to compensate victims of human rights abuses, restore international peace and security, or rebuild Ukraine."

Omar Alghabra, Canada's Minister of Transport, further mentioned the government's stance on standing with the Ukrainian people. He said that seizing the Volga-Dnepr aircraft demonstrated that Russia's actions continued to have consequences.

A Potential Return?

Last year, Volga-Dnepr Airlines approached the Canadian government. Understandably, the Russian cargo airline had issues with the attempted seizure and wanted to discuss having the aircraft returned.

This legal issue has continued since last year. As the Wall Street Journal reported, Volga-Dnepr Airlines is suing the Canadian government to show that the sanctions against it are invalid.

In August 2024, the airline filed a $100 million claim against the government. The Wall Street Journal mentions that the carrier argues that its business has suffered since Ottawa seized the aircraft.

The Antonov 124 seized is one of only 26 examples in the world. Volga-Dnepr's fleet consists of only Antonov 124 and Ilyushin 76 cargo aircraft. With one aircraft out of service indefinitely, it makes sense why the carrier would make such a claim that its business was affected.

It remains to be seen what will become of the lawsuit against the Canadian government. Canada continues to ban and sanction all Russian aircraft. Not only this, but much of the Western world has cut ties with Russia completely, also banning and sanctioning their airlines.

When February 2025 comes around, this matter will have been going on for three years. Whether the Antonov would even be airworthy enough to leave Toronto is yet to be answered.

The plane has sat in the same place and been left untouched. If Volga-Dnepr is cleared to repossess the aircraft, it remains unclear how it will leave Toronto.

Most aircraft components are built in countries now, cutting ties with Russia. If repairing the Antonov to proper airworthiness standards is required, getting the aircraft out of Canada will prove to be an issue of its own.