A Russian government aircraft is currently operating an interesting mission to the United States. While seeing this plane at an airport could understandably be confusing given the sanctions in place, there’s a logical explanation…
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Russian jet flies from Moscow to New York & Washington
Yesterday (Wednesday, June 26, 2024), a Russian-built Ilyushin Il-96-300, belonging to the Russian government’s fleet, flew from Moscow (VKO) to New York (JFK). The plane, which has the registration code RA-96019, is roughly 15 years old, and operated with the flight number RSD738.
The journey took 11hr58min, which is significantly longer than it would have been if the plane could have just flown directly. However, that’s not possible, due to airspace restrictions against Russian registered aircraft. The aircraft first flew almost directly north, before turning west over Finland and Sweden (in order to avoid the European Union), and then flying southwest, avoiding Canada.
The plane landed in New York at 2:05PM. Then at 4:55PM, the aircraft continued its journey to Washington (IAD). That flight took a total of 50 minutes, and the aircraft touched down there at 5:45PM.
I imagine the aircraft will be returning to Russia this evening, though I guess we’ll find our soon enough for sure.
What is the purpose of this flight?
Of course under normal circumstances, a Russian jet would be banned from flying a route from Moscow to New York to Washington, so what is the purpose of this itinerary, and why is an exception being granted?
While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s almost certain that this plane is transporting Russian diplomats. It’s interesting to note that a year ago to the day — on June 27, 2023 — the same kind of plane performed a flight from Moscow to the United States, also with stops in New York and Washington.
So I imagine the timing isn’t a coincidence, and that some Russian diplomats are being “cycled,” with some arriving in the United States, and others leaving. Presumably there’s a limit to how long they can stay in the United States, and that limit is being reached.
Even beyond these more routine flights, there have been some other “exciting” flights to the United States by Russian military jets since the country’s invasion of Ukraine. In March 2022, a Russian government jet flew from St. Petersburg to Washington. That flight had a more exciting backstory, as its purpose was to pick up 12 expelled Russian intelligence operatives from the Russian Mission, who were accused of espionage.
As an avgeek, I can’t help but wonder what the interior of this jet is like, what kind of service there is onboard, how many crew members there are, etc. If anyone has any insights, I’d love to hear ’em! Below is a video I found about Putin’s plane, which is the same type of aircraft.
Bottom line
An Ilyushin Il-96-300 belonging to the Russian government is currently operating a mission to the United States. Yesterday, it flew from Moscow to New York to Washington. I assume it will return to Russia soon, probably even tonight. As you’d expect, the flight to the United States had a roundabout routing, as the flight avoided the airspace of the European Union and Canada.
While there hasn’t been any official announcement, it seems pretty clear that this aircraft is coming to pick up Russian diplomats who have to leave the country, and maybe even dropping some off. Russia last operated one of these flights a year ago to the day, stopping at the same airports.
What do you make of this unique Moscow to New York to Washington flight?
(Featured image courtesy of Dmitry Terekhov)
Asking for a friend, but did the aircraft continue onward to Atlanta?
Or perhaps the jet carried Russian diplomats negotiating Ukraine's terms of surrender?
Arrest every one of them on landing, confiscate the airplane and then demand our journalists and others be released.
I only wish the weaklings who run our government would do this.
No point in starting a tit for tat activity. There can do the same to US diplomats and staff present at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. Hardly in the best interest of either party.
Sheesh, another dipstick brainwashed by Western propaganda.
Considering there are American diplomats in Russia who work at the US embassy, your idea is INCREDIBLY stupid.
And what do you think would then happen to the U.S. diplomats in Russia? Use your brain if you have one!
Interesting that they were not allowed to fly to DCA
Given the nature of the flight and the fact that the U.S. clearly had no problem accepting its arrival and departure I'm surprised it wasn't allowed to cross European and Canadian airspace
Those diplomats should have flown Delta One™
Russia always was a 2nd tier nation, but When Russia is finished paying war reparations {Billions!} they will be a third world nation. And they will pay.
Putin will be dragged to the peace table.
I guess once we pay Afghanistan and Iraq first, then we can demand anything from others. Are we ready for that?
The U.S. does not have the cash to repay for the destruction and killing in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam or Korea. This is a government that basically shuts down every year due to budget deficits.
Whatever you're smoking must be pretty strong. No superpower has ever paid war reparations and they will never do so.
I met a Russian lady yesterday who has lived in Canada for the past 17 years. I asked her if she has been back to Russia recently and she commented how modern it is becoming and how the sanctions have failed miserably.
Just landed at IAD and there actually two IL parked side by side on one of the far parking stations! Must be quite de diplomatic swap.
Anyone have any idea why a diplomat swap wouldn't just be done gradually on commercial flights over time (i.e. on Turkish)
Most diplomats would carry highly confidential stuff (so called “diplomatic bags”) that couln’t be carried safely on commercial flights. I'm also not sure that commercial airlines would be too keen on having high level Russian diplomats on board a flight departing the US
Most diplomatic bags, can and are transported on commercial flights. They are exempt from security screening and usually escorted by a junior diplomat.
However given the current situation, it is preferable for Russia to operate these flights rather than risk getting stuck somewhere.
My father is a career diplomat, retired now. Except for a few cases, diplomatic bags are carried via commercial airlines. They are loaded and unloaded in sight of a liaison to ensure that they are not inspected.
This flight is certainly for exchange of diplomatic staff, who would normally have flown in Aeroflot. Government officials generally fly on state owned or national airlines, wherever services are possible.
The Russians will be taking this opportunity to replace and or update equipment at their US missions and pick up/drop off diplomatic pouches along with Russian contraband.
This will be a flight related to the UN mission. As the host country of the UN the USA is obligated to allow access to the UN which includes something like a 35mile radius