TORONTO— Russia’s attempt to regain control of a giant cargo aircraft stranded at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) has suffered another setback after a Canadian Federal Court judge rejected Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ (VI) challenge to the sanctions keeping the aircraft grounded.
The Antonov An-124 has remained at Pearson for more than four years after arriving in February 2022, just as Canada closed its airspace to Russian aircraft following the invasion of Ukraine.
The aircraft was subsequently seized by the Canadian government in June 2023, while Ottawa has indicated that it intends to transfer the asset to Ukraine if the legal process allows.
Court Rejects Sanctions Challenge
Volga-Dnepr Airlines sought judicial review of the Canadian government’s decision to keep the airline and its former chairman under sanctions. The Russian cargo operator had previously asked to be removed from Canada’s sanctions list, arguing that it had not transported military cargo since 2018.
Canadian authorities rejected that position, maintaining that Volga-Dnepr had benefited from Russian government contracts and subsidies and had supported efforts to circumvent sanctions imposed on Moscow.
The latest Federal Court ruling means the airline has not secured the sanctions relief required to regain control of the aircraft. However, the decision does not bring the wider dispute over the Antonov An-124 to an end.
Antonov Remains at Pearson
The aircraft, registered as RA-82078, is an An-124-100-150 built by Aviastar-SP. Measuring about 225 feet long with a wingspan of roughly 240 feet, the freighter is among the largest mass-produced cargo aircraft ever built.
It arrived at Pearson on February 27, 2022, carrying COVID-19 test kits from China after stopping in Anchorage, Alaska, for fuel, Insagua flagged. Canada’s airspace closure prevented the aircraft from continuing its journey, leaving it parked at the airport.
The aircraft has since become a familiar sight from nearby roads, including Highway 427 and Silver Dart Drive. Its prolonged presence has also raised questions about maintenance and the aircraft’s eventual ability to return to service after years on the ground.
Legal Battle of An-124 Continues in Canada
Canada ordered the aircraft seized on June 8, 2023, under the Special Economic Measures Act. The government described the move as part of its sanctions regime and said that, if the aircraft were ultimately forfeited to the Crown, it could work with Ukraine on options for its use in reconstruction and compensation.
The dispute has also moved beyond Canadian courts. Volga-Dnepr is pursuing an international arbitration case against Canada, seeking restitution of the aircraft or compensation that the company values at no less than US$100 million.
Canada launched formal forfeiture proceedings for the aircraft in March 2025, adding another layer to the legal process.
For now, the An-124 remains at Pearson while competing claims over its ownership, sanctions status, and eventual destination continue through the courts and arbitration system.
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