An-124 Breaks Kyiv’s Silence After Three Years of War

On July 11, 2025, history was made as the iconic Antonov An-124-100 ‘Ruslan’ shattered the silence over Kyiv, performing the first civilian overflight of the city since the war erupted in February 2022. This landmark moment was more than just the return of a legendary aircraft—it stood as a powerful symbol of defiance against Russia’s ongoing aggression.

A Flight Against All Odds

For over three years, Ukrainian airspace has remained closed to civilian aviation due to the war with Russia. Only military, government, and strictly regulated humanitarian flights have been allowed. But on this day, residents of Kyiv looked skyward and witnessed the colossal silhouette of the An-124—one of the world’s largest cargo planes. Once based at Hostomel Airport near Kyiv, the aircraft now operates out of Leipzig, Germany.

Registered as UR-82073, the An-124 was spared from destruction during Russia’s assault on Hostomel in February 2022, as it was undergoing maintenance at the time of the invasion. Other Antonov aircraft were not so fortunate, with several damaged or destroyed in the attack.

Leipzig: Antonov’s New Home Base

Following the devastation at Hostomel, Antonov Airlines relocated its operations to Leipzig. From there, the company has continued supporting Ukraine’s armed forces and global clients needing heavy-lift and outsized cargo transport.

Though Antonov Airlines has yet to officially confirm UR-82073’s full return to active service, its safe landing in Leipzig signals that the legendary aircraft is ready to fly once more.

More An-124s Could Join the Fleet

There’s further good news on the horizon. Antonov Airlines may soon bolster its fleet with another An-124 currently owned by Russian carrier Volga-Dnepr. That aircraft has been stranded in Canada since 2022, but according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna, Canada has now begun the process of seizing and transferring it to Ukraine.

This symbolic flight over Kyiv represents more than a logistical achievement—it’s a bold statement of Ukraine’s resilience and determination in the face of relentless conflict.

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