In February 2022, a Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov An-124-100 (registration RA-82078) arrived in Toronto, delivering humanitarian cargo consisting of COVID-19 test kits on behalf of the Canadian government. Within hours of landing, Canada closed its airspace to Russian carriers as part of sanctions imposed in response to the onset of the special military operation in Ukraine. Since then, the aircraft has remained parked at Lester B. Pearson International Airport, unable to depart Canadian territory.
For over three years, the An-124 has been considered an asset that Canadian authorities have expressed interest in transferring to the Kyiv administration. On May 13, 2025, Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ press office reported attempts by the new Canadian government to hand over RA-82078 to third parties. In a statement, CEO Igor Aksyonov noted alarming reports and video footage from Canada documenting unauthorized attempts to access the aircraft.
Aksyonov emphasized that any technical work performed by unqualified personnel could cause significant damage to the An-124. He argued that sanctions and new legislation, which legalize Canada’s actions, are being used as instruments to seize the aircraft.
On March 18, 2025, the Attorney General of Canada petitioned the Ontario Superior Court to issue a notice of application for the confiscation of the aircraft, according to a statement from Public Services and Procurement Canada cited by CTV News Toronto.
Under Canadian law, any individual or legal entity with an interest or right in the seized property may present evidence and participate in administrative and judicial proceedings, as reported by CTV News.
Russian officials have described Canada’s actions as “theft” and “piracy.” The Russian Embassy in Ottawa has declared its intention to use all available means to recover the aircraft. The An-124 is regarded as a strategic asset and collateral by the airline.
On September 19, 2025, the An-124 was temporarily relocated to another parking area at Pearson Airport. According to eyewitnesses and airport representatives, the move was necessary to facilitate a technical inspection. Upon completion, the aircraft returned to its original parking position. Canadian federal authorities confirmed that maintenance specialists would be working on and around the aircraft until September 29.
Unofficial sources at Toronto Airport indicated that spare parts had been ordered to restore the aircraft to airworthy condition, but the timeline for its potential return to service remains unknown. Canadian authorities have not disclosed details of the maintenance process, citing security requirements.
The technical inspection is believed to be aimed at assessing the aircraft’s condition after prolonged inactivity. Physical checks help identify possible defects resulting from environmental exposure and lack of operation, as well as estimate the costs of restoring airworthiness and evaluate prospects for further use, including potential transfer to third parties.
During extended storage, special engine inlet and exhaust covers are installed on the An-124 to prevent dust, moisture, and other contaminants from entering. To avoid corrosion, degradation of rubber seals, and chemical breakdown of oils and fuel components, the condition of major systems is periodically monitored. Battery status, fuel tanks, hydraulic systems, and avionics are also checked.
Without proper preservation, the aircraft risks sustaining serious damage. Moisture and dust ingress can cause corrosion of metal components and failure of electronic systems. Prolonged immobility impairs lubrication of moving parts, leading to seizure and wear.
Unqualified maintenance or unauthorized intervention increases the risk of mechanical damage and safety violations. Therefore, all preservation work must be performed by experienced specialists using dedicated materials and technologies. Neither Canadian authorities nor Toronto Airport management have disclosed whether they possess certified personnel or a service center capable of maintaining An-124 aircraft.
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