Hyderabad, India — Aviation enthusiasts and onlookers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad, were treated to a spectacular sight today as the mighty Antonov An-124 “Ruslan”, one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, touched down on the runway. The rare appearance of the colossal Ukrainian-built freighter drew considerable attention, turning the airport into a temporary aviation hotspot.
Developed by the Antonov Design Bureau in the 1980s, the An-124 remains a symbol of engineering excellence and raw power. Designed primarily for strategic airlift operations, the aircraft can carry up to 150 tonnes of cargo, including oversized machinery, heavy industrial equipment, vehicles, and even other aircraft components.
spectacular sight today at #RGIA Hyderabad, as the mighty Antonov An-124 “Ruslan”, one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, touched down on the runway. pic.twitter.com/P6NaZ2LN9O
— Telangana Trends (@TGStateTrends) November 13, 2025
One of its most distinctive features is its nose-loading cargo ramp, which, combined with a 36-meter-long cargo hold, allows the aircraft to load and transport exceptionally large freight items that few other aircraft can accommodate.
Powered by four Progress D-18T turbofan engines, the An-124 can cruise at approximately 800 km/h and boasts an impressive range of nearly 4,800 kilometers even when fully loaded. With a wingspan of 73.3 meters and a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 400 tonnes, the aircraft continues to play an indispensable role in military logistics, humanitarian missions, and global commercial transport.
The An-124’s arrival in Hyderabad is not just another airport event—it’s a rare encounter with one of aviation’s true giants. Such appearances are infrequent in India, making this a memorable occasion for aviation photographers and plane spotters alike.
Despite being designed over four decades ago, the Antonov An-124 continues to embody the spirit of innovation and resilience that defined the Cold War era of aerospace engineering. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring brilliance of Ukrainian aviation design and the continued global demand for ultra-heavy lift capabilities.
As the massive aircraft rested on the tarmac under Hyderabad’s skies, it served as a powerful reminder of how human ingenuity continues to push the boundaries of flight, uniting engineering excellence with awe-inspiring scale.
