A Russian Antonov AN-124 plane owned by Volga-Dnepr sat on the tarmac at Toronto’s Pearson Airport on March 21, 2022. Canada has closed its airspace to Russian planes, and Volga-Dnepr has stopped most of its flights worldwide due to sanctions. The Canadian Press
A huge Russian cargo plane, parked at Toronto Pearson International Airport since early 2022, was seen moving briefly last week. The Antonov AN-124, one of the world’s largest aircraft, has been sitting at the airport since the start of the war in Ukraine.
The Canadian government officially seized the plane in June 2023. It belongs to the Russian company Volga-Dnepr. Officials have worried that Russia might use the plane to send military supplies to support its war efforts in Ukraine. This concern led Canada to impose sanctions on the aircraft.
For over three years, the plane stayed still. But last Friday, a video showed the massive plane slowly moving across the airport’s tarmac. Airport officials say the plane has now returned to its usual spot.
Sean Davidson, a spokesperson for Pearson Airport, explained the move. “The aircraft was moved last week for a few hours to another location on airport grounds for routine checks led by the federal government,” he said.
Government workers will continue to be seen near and on the plane until September 29 to carry out maintenance. Public Services and Procurement Canada confirmed the aircraft was moved for these upkeep tasks.
However, officials did not reveal further details about the maintenance or any other work being done on site. They cited security reasons for keeping information limited, leaving many questions about what lies ahead for the plane.
In February, the government took steps to fully take control of the plane. On March 18, 2025, Canada’s Attorney General applied to the Ontario Superior Court for a legal order to officially seize the aircraft.
Global Affairs Canada said, “Under Canadian law, a person or entity with an interest or right in the seized property has the opportunity to present evidence and participate in administrative and judicial proceedings.” This means those connected to the plane can challenge the seizure in court.
Russia’s embassy in Canada warned that Moscow sees the seizure as “hijacking, theft and piracy.” They added that this action would harm relations between the two countries.
The Russian cargo plane first arrived in Toronto to deliver COVID-19 test kits. It was supposed to leave shortly after, flying from China through the U.S. and Russia. But Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft, forcing the flight to be canceled. Since then, the plane has remained on the ground at Pearson Airport.
The future of this massive aircraft remains unclear as legal processes continue. For now, the government focuses on maintaining the plane safely while deciding the next steps.
