For over three years, one of the world’s largest cargo planes has been sitting idle at Toronto Pearson International Airport. This massive aircraft, called the Antonov An-124, belongs to a Russian cargo company and is valued at nearly $300 million. It stands as tall as a seven-story building and is almost as long as a football field. But since early 2022, it hasn’t moved an inch.
The plane arrived in Canada while delivering Covid-19 test kits from China. Just as it was unloading its cargo, Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In response, Canada quickly closed its airspace to Russian planes, leaving the Antonov An-124 stuck on Canadian soil.
In June 2023, Canadian officials officially seized the plane. They announced plans to give it to Ukraine as a way to make sure it could never again be used by Russia. Since then, the plane has been caught in a complex legal fight, with the Russian cargo company trying to block the transfer. But now, Canada is pushing forward with a legal case to take full ownership of the plane and potentially hand it over to Kyiv.
Canada Takes Legal Action to Seize the Plane
On March 18, 2025, Canada’s Attorney General took a big step by filing legal papers in Ontario’s Superior Court. This action, known as a “forfeiture proceeding,” is meant to officially transfer the plane’s ownership to the Canadian government. Once that happens, Canada could move forward with plans to give the plane to Ukraine.
Trump Sparks Outrage with Canada ‘Works Better as a U.S. State’ Claims Ahead of Tight Election
The plane is one of only 26 of its kind in the entire world, making it a rare and valuable asset. It was built to carry extremely heavy and oversized cargo, which is why it’s so important in global shipping. The Russian airline that owns it has argued in court that the seizure is unfair and has launched lawsuits in Canada to get the plane back.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have condemned Canada’s actions, calling the seizure “theft.” They say that taking the plane and giving it to Ukraine is wrong and goes against international rules. Despite these complaints, Canada is standing firm, arguing that the plane was lawfully seized because of sanctions placed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
A Symbol in a Bigger Conflict
This giant plane has become more than just a stranded aircraft. It now stands as a symbol in the larger conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Canada playing a key supporting role for Ukraine.
When Canadian leaders first announced the seizure, they promised Ukrainian officials that the plane would be delivered to Kyiv. Their goal is to ensure that Russia can no longer use the plane for its own benefit. However, the legal battle has dragged on, delaying the transfer and keeping the plane grounded in Toronto.
JAS-39 Gripen Rejected? U.S. May Force Canada Into F-35 Deal with No Way Out
The Russian cargo company that owns the Antonov An-124 has faced major challenges since the start of the war. Its founder was sanctioned by several Western countries, including Canada, and control of the company has changed hands among top executives.
While the court case moves forward, the plane remains parked at the airport, a quiet but powerful reminder of the tensions between nations. It’s also a rare sight for travelers and airport staff, who can’t miss its towering size and unique design.
As of now, the legal fight continues, but Canada’s latest move signals a determined effort to finally claim full possession of the aircraft and make good on its promise to deliver it to Ukraine.