TORONTO, CANADA — A Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124, which was seized as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, faces a huge fine for parking in the wrong place at the wrong time. The heavy cargo plane is stuck at Toronto Pearson Airport after the Canadian government banned Russian-owned or registered aircraft from using its airspace.
The An-124 with registration RA-82078 has been parked at the airport since February 27, after it had arrived in the country to deliver Covid-19 rapid tests. In addition to the seizure, the aircraft has incurred a daily parking fine of CAN$1065.60. So far, the bill accounts for more than $100,000, and it is counting with no end in sight.
Also Read: Volga-Dnepr An-124 seized at Toronto Pearson
Transport Canada spokesperson Hicham Ayoun said that the aircraft is the only aircraft that was grounded in Canada as part of the sanctions against Russia.
The Antonov AN-124 is the world's second-heaviest freighter built after Antonov An-225 Mriya. The iconic Ukrainian plane was destroyed at Hostomel Airport near Kyiv during Russian air strikes.
Also Read: Facilities and stored aircraft at Hostomel International are largely destroyed, photos and video
55 Antonov AN-124s have been built since the type first entered service in 1986. Russia's Volga-Dnepr has 12 of them in operation.
55 Antonov AN-124s have been built since the type first entered service in 1986. Russia's Volga-Dnepr has 12 of them in operation.
