A Russian‑owned cargo aircraft valued at $300 million has remained on the tarmac at Toronto Pearson International Airport since Canada barred Russian flights following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The jet has been stationary for four years, making it a long‑standing feature of the airport’s apron.
Canada’s decision to close its airspace to Russian aircraft was implemented in 2022 as a direct response to Moscow’s military actions in Ukraine. The closure applied to all Russian‑registered flights, preventing the cargo plane from departing or taking off from Canadian soil.
Since the airspace restriction took effect, the aircraft has been left at Pearson without a clear timetable for removal or relocation. It has stayed in place through multiple seasons, and its presence is visible to motorists traveling on nearby roadways that run alongside the airport perimeter.
The stranded jet is a cargo‑type airplane owned by a Russian entity, and its market value is reported at $300 million. Over the four‑year period, the aircraft has not been used for any commercial or operational purpose within Canada. The situation reflects the broader impact of geopolitical decisions on aviation assets, with the plane serving as a tangible reminder of the airspace closure that has been in force since 2022.