Antonov An-124 Ruslan Flight Over Kyiv Skies: Why cargo jet’s appearance hogs limelight? See possible takeoff locations, flight path

The sudden appearance of a large Antonov An-124 Ruslan cargo jet in the skies over Kyiv on Friday has caused surprise, speculation and political reactions. This aircraft, usually grounded since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022, flew across Ukrainian airspace before landing in Leipzig, Germany. Its origin, reasons for departure, and flight path remain unclear.

Aircraft’s Unexpected Flight Over Kyiv

The Antonov An-124, also known by its NATO reporting name “Condor,” is among the world’s largest cargo planes. The Ukrainian-built aircraft had been grounded since 2022 due to Russia's full-scale invasion. So, its sudden flight over Kyiv came as a surprise to residents and observers.




The aircraft bears the tail number UR-82073 and is registered to Antonov Airlines. Ukrainian officials and online trackers confirmed the flight path ended in Leipzig, Germany, where Antonov relocated much of its operations after the war began.

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Possible Takeoff Locations

While official details are scarce, sources suggest that the plane took off from Svyatoshino airport in Kyiv, the headquarters of the Antonov Serial Production Plant. This location survived much of the early destruction in the war, unlike Hostomel Airport, where the larger An-225 was destroyed.



X user @TheIntelFrog noted that the aircraft’s last known flight before this was in March 2021. Ukrainian Telegram channel “General Staff Chat” also confirmed the plane was being evacuated from Svyatoshino, where it had remained since the start of the war.

Satellite images from July 2 by Planet Labs supported this. Two intact An-124s were seen on the tarmac. One appeared to be active and moved toward the runway by July 5.

Alternative Origin Theory Points to Dnipro

Despite the Kyiv theory, other reports suggest the aircraft took off from Dnipro. Russian and Ukrainian social media accounts claimed the plane transmitted under a false transponder code, posing as a drone. The name PTNPNH2 appeared on flight tracking sites. A second similar code, PTNPNH1, was also noted.

Russian sources, including Astra News and Telegram channels, claimed the takeoff was from Dnipropetrovsk Airport. They said the move was possibly aimed at saving the aircraft from anticipated Russian attacks on the area.

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Flight Path, Secrecy, and Russian Reaction

FlightRadar24 confirmed the An-124 flew over western Ukraine near the Polish border at 2:17 PM, but the point of origin was not logged. This suggests its transponder was turned off for most of the journey to avoid detection.

The Russian Telegram channel Fighterbomber criticized the failure to stop the flight. They expressed disappointment that the aircraft escaped without being destroyed or tracked. Despite the aircraft’s size, it avoided being targeted—likely due to strong Ukrainian air defenses or Russia's delayed strike capabilities.

An-124 Importance for Ukraine

The An-124 is a key asset for Ukraine. Before the war, Antonov Airlines provided charter services for Western militaries and NGOs. Regaining use of this aircraft for cargo operations is important both economically and strategically for Ukraine.

This is not the first example of aircraft escaping Ukraine post-invasion. In December 2022, Turkish A400M aircraft stranded in Kyiv were also flown out following diplomatic talks.

Airports in Kyiv still have blocked runways to prevent enemy landings, making the recent flight even more notable.

FAQs

Where did the Antonov An-124 flight over Kyiv originate from?
It likely took off from Svyatoshino airport in Kyiv, but other reports suggest Dnipro as the starting point.

Why was the An-124 flight over Ukraine significant?
The flight marked the first large Ukrainian cargo plane seen over Kyiv since 2022, raising questions amid restricted airspace.