the goan I network
VASCO
The Dabolim airport was host to a rare aircraft when the Russian giant AN-124, reportedly the world’s largest military transport aircraft in current service, landed on Tuesday night to take back an equally rare cargo to Russia.
According to highly places sources in the airport and navy, the Russian AN-124 was on a special mission reportedly to carry a MIG fighter plane of the Indian Navy to Russia on Wednesday, though the reasons for transporting the MIG fighter to Russia were unclear.
The Russian AN-124 military transport aircraft, which has built in freight handling equipment, landed at Dabolim Airport sometime around 10 pm on Tuesday for an overnight halt.
“A huge military cargo aircraft will be arriving at Goa airport on Tuesday night and will take back a MIG fighter plane of the India Navy,” said a source on Tuesday evening.
When contacted, an official from Dabolim airport also confirmed the arrival of the Russia’s massive military transport aircraft.
“Yes, it is true that a giant charter flight is arriving Dabolim Airport on Tuesday night at around 10 pm. The aircraft will take back a MIG fighter jet along with it on its flight back to Russia on Wednesday at around 2.30 pm. This is the initial plan,” the official spoke on condition of anonymity.
“But if formalities get delayed, the AN-124 aircraft could depart from Dabolim at 10.30 pm on Wednesday,” said the airport official.
When contacted, a naval official, while also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrival of the giant AN-124 military cargo aircraft from Russia, but did not offer much details regarding the purpose of taking back the MIG fighter jet.
“The An-124 cargo aircraft will arrive from Russia. This is a normal thing with respect to maintenance. Sometimes, aircraft bring in spares and other kits for the MIG fighter planes.”
“Spares sometimes come on monthly basis. I cannot divulge more details but the MIG could be taken to Russia for maintenance,” said the
naval official.
