The Russian-owned Antonov An-124 cargo plane, stranded at Toronto Pearson Airport since February 27, 2022, remains grounded with no resolution in sight. Three years after Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft following the invasion of Ukraine, legal disputes have stalled government efforts to transfer the aircraft to Ukraine.
The massive cargo plane, one of only 26 in the world, has become a fixture at Pearson, visible to highway drivers, airport passengers, and aviation enthusiasts alike. Measuring three-quarters the length of an NFL football field and standing 70 feet tall, the Antonov An-124 is among the largest cargo aircraft ever built.
In June 2023, the Canadian government seized the aircraft, declaring its intent to deliver it to Ukraine as part of an aid package. During an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the plane would soon be transferred to prevent its future use by Russia.
However, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, the Russian owner of the aircraft, has been fighting the seizure in Canadian courts, arguing that Ottawa’s sanctions against the company are invalid. The airline filed a $100-million lawsuit against the Canadian government in August 2024, claiming that the seizure had severely damaged its business operations.
With the legal battle ongoing, it remains unclear when—or if—the aircraft will leave Pearson. Global Affairs Canada has stated that “further steps towards potential forfeiture will be taken in due course, in accordance with the legislation and procedural fairness,” but has not provided a timeline for resolution.
Meanwhile, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) confirmed it is responsible for maintaining the aircraft but declined to comment further, citing security and legal considerations.
Since its arrival, the plane has racked up more than $1 million in parking fees charged by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA). It remains unclear who is responsible for paying the bill or if any outstanding fees are still owed.
Originally, the Antonov An-124 landed in Mississauga in early 2022 while delivering COVID-19 test kits from China, with a scheduled stop in Anchorage, Alaska, for refueling. It was grounded after Ottawa implemented strict sanctions against Russian-owned assets, preventing it from departing.
As the dispute over the plane’s fate drags into its third year, its continued presence at Pearson remains both a geopolitical symbol and a logistical headache, with no clear resolution on the horizon.