Russian cargo plane loses court bid to reclaim $300 million aircraft seized at Pearson

A Russian cargo carrier's legal fight to recover one of the world's largest aircraft has failed. A Canadian judge rejected Volga-Dnepr Airlines' appeal against sanctions, maintaining restrictions on the airline and keeping its stranded Antonov An-124 cargo plane grounded at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The aircraft has been immobilized since February 2022, when Canada closed its airspace to Russian-owned and operated aircraft in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The plane arrived carrying COVID-19 rapid tests from China and has remained parked along the east edge of the tarmac near Silver Dart Drive ever since.

Valued at approximately $300 million, the Antonov An-124 has racked up substantial parking fees during its nearly four-year confinement—roughly $1,000 per day in storage costs.

In June 2023, the Canadian government formally seized the aircraft as part of its sanctions against Russia. Volga-Dnepr then served notice of its intention to dispute the federal decision. Global Affairs Canada cited the airline's role in supporting Russian efforts to bypass sanctions imposed by Canada and its allies, stating the carrier "played a critical role in supporting the efforts of the Russian regime to bypass sanctions imposed by Canada and its allies to obtain goods that are sanctioned or can be used in sensitive or military-related sectors."

Russia's Foreign Ministry characterized the seizure as "cynical and shameless theft." The Federal Court judge ruled that Volga-Dnepr "has not demonstrated the decision was unreasonable or lacked procedural fairness."

The Canadian government has voiced its intention to eventually transfer the aircraft to Ukraine. For now, the enormous plane remains grounded at Pearson, its future tied to ongoing legal proceedings.