Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Russian Cargo Jet Remains Stranded in Canada After Sanctions
A large Russian cargo plane has been stuck at a Canadian airport since February 2022.
It arrived carrying coronavirus tests.
Soon afterward, Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft because of the war in Ukraine.
The plane could not fly home after the restriction took effect.
Canada later seized the aircraft and kept the airline under sanctions.
Canadian authorities said the airline helped Russia obtain goods that were not allowed under sanctions.
The airline disagreed and said it had not carried military equipment in five years.
A judge rejected the airline’s request, so the plane remains at the airport.
A Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov An-124 has remained at Toronto Pearson since February 27, 2022.
Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.
Canada sanctioned and later seized the plane, citing the airline’s role in helping obtain sanctioned goods.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines appealed the sanctions, arguing it had not transported military equipment in five years.
A Canadian judge rejected the appeal, while the aircraft continues to incur parking costs and attract public attention.
- Who
- Volga-Dnepr Airlines, the Russian cargo carrier, and Canadian authorities are involved.
- What
- An Antonov An-124 cargo plane has been stranded and seized in Canada, while the airline’s legal challenge to sanctions was rejected.
- When
- The plane arrived on February 27, 2022; Canada officially seized it in June 2023; it has remained there for more than four years.
- Where
- Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada; the aircraft had stopped at Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Alaska.
- Why
- Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft and cited the airline’s alleged role in helping Russia obtain sanctioned goods for sensitive or military-related sectors.
Canadian Authorities’ Position
Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ Position
Reason for sanctions
Canadian Authorities’ Position
Canadian authorities said the airline played a critical role in helping Russia bypass sanctions to obtain goods used in sensitive or military-related sectors.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ Position
Volga-Dnepr Airlines appealed to be removed from the sanctions list and argued that it had not carried military equipment in the previous five years.
Whether the plane should return
Canadian Authorities’ Position
Canada’s airspace restrictions, sanctions and seizure prevent the aircraft from returning to Russia.
Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ Position
The airline sought legal relief so the aircraft could leave Canada and return home.
- Aircraft
- Antonov An-124 cargo plane
- Owner
- Volga-Dnepr Airlines
- Arrival date
- February 27, 2022
- Location
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Seizure
- The Canadian government officially seized the plane in June 2023.
- Legal outcome
- A Canadian judge rejected Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ appeal against the sanctions.
- Parking costs
- The aircraft has reportedly incurred more than $1,000 per day in parking costs.