The Government of Canada has ordered the seizure of a Russian-registered Antonov An-124 belonging to the Volga-Dnepr Group grounded at Toronto Pearson Airport. The Government plans to transfer the aircraft to Ukraine. The aircraft has been stuck at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) since February 27, 2022
The seizure is a part of Canada’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Volga-Dnepr Group and its cargo subsidiary Volga-Dnepr Airlines recently faced sanctions imposed by Canada, due to the company’s participation in the invasion of Ukraine.
“Today, Canada is sending a clear message to the Russian regime that there will be nowhere left to hide for those who support and profit from the Kremlin’s war of aggression,” Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. “Canada has been there to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom since day one and we will continue to be there through their victory to aid in their reconstruction efforts.”
The government of Canada has announced it would collaborate with the government of Ukraine in exploring various options for redistributing the seized asset.
In total, Volga-Dnepr Airlines, which operates a fleet of 10 Antonov An-124 aircraft, is facing challenges with four of these planes stranded at various international airports. Apart from the aircraft seized by the Canadian government, three Ruslan planes are stuck at Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) in Germany