Aeroflot A321 Stranded In Geneva For Over Four Years
An Aeroflot Airbus A321 has been stuck at Geneva Airport since February 2022 due to sanctions from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
An Aeroflot Airbus A321 has been stranded at Geneva Airport since February 27, 2022. The aircraft, registered VP-BOE, arrived from Moscow but could not return after Switzerland adopted EU sanctions against Russia.
The narrowbody was preparing to depart when the new restrictions took effect. It was forced back to its parking stand, where it has remained for over four years apart from one temporary tow. Sanctions prohibited Russian aircraft from taking off from or landing in Switzerland.
Sanctions And Severe Deterioration
The aircraft's condition has worsened dramatically during its prolonged grounding. One Mile at a Time reports it has received essentially no maintenance. Visible cracks, uncovered engines, and electronic problems are reported.
There have also been reports of old food remaining aboard and a possible rat and insect infestation. These details are based on reports rather than an independently published inspection. The longer the A321 remains inactive, the more difficult and expensive it will be to return to airworthy condition.
Complex Ownership And Mounting Costs
The aircraft's ownership structure complicated any recovery. VP-BOE was reportedly owned by Russian state-controlled leasing company GTLK through an Irish subsidiary. The Irish leasing company subsequently became subject to liquidation because of sanctions, making repossession difficult.
Parking charges have continued to accrue. The reported cost is around CHF 30,000 ($36,540) per month. Over more than four years, this potentially amounts to roughly $2 million.
The aircraft was moved once in June 2022. It was towed because its parking space was needed for a United Nations conference, then returned to the airport's parking area.
Other Sanctioned Aircraft
The Geneva A321 is not the only Russian aircraft stranded long-term by sanctions. A larger example is a Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov AN-124, registration RA-82078, at Toronto Pearson International Airport since February 2022.
| Aircraft | Operator | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A321 (VP-BOE) | Aeroflot | Geneva Airport (GVA) | Stranded due to sanctions and ownership issues |
| Antonov AN-124 (RA-82078) | Volga-Dnepr Airlines | Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | Formally seized by Canada in June 2023 |
Canada formally ordered the An-124 seized under its sanctions legislation in June 2023. In August 2026, a Federal Court rejected Volga-Dnepr's challenge seeking relief. The Canadian government now controls the freighter.
There is a key difference between the two cases. Canada has formally seized the An-124. The A321 in Geneva remains primarily a sanctions and ownership issue. Its deteriorating condition may make recovery impractical, potentially leading to dismantling for parts.
