A Ukrainian Antonov An-124 ‘Ruslan’ transport aircraft caught fire whilst landing at Chubu Airport in Japan. This was reported by the Japanese television channel NHK.
The incident occurred on the evening of 22 October. The fire was spotted in the tail section of the aircraft and was quickly extinguished. The runway was closed for 15 minutes.
The cause of the fire is as yet unknown. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is investigating the circumstances of the incident.
Antonov JSC has not officially commented on the incident. However, the company’s press office confirmed the incident in a statement to BBC News Ukraine and said it would refrain from making any further statements until the circumstances had been clarified.
Following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Antonov JSC announced that five An-124 ‘Ruslan’ aircraft would be temporarily stationed at Leipzig Airport in Germany.
In early August this year, a drone packed with explosives was discovered there near a Ukrainian An-124. Subsequently, the German Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs held Russia responsible for the attempted sabotage. Moscow denies any involvement in the incident.