Aeroflot Airbus A321 decays at Geneva Airport due to sanctions

An Aeroflot Airbus A321, registration VP-BOE, has remained grounded at Geneva Airport for approximately four and a half years following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The aircraft became stranded after European airspace was closed to Russian flights.

The aircraft is reportedly in a state of severe deterioration. Due to the lack of maintenance, concerns have been raised regarding structural cracks, electronic failures, and exposed engines.

The situation is complicated by complex ownership and international sanctions. The aircraft is owned by the Russian state leasing company GTLK through an Irish-registered entity. Because of sanctions, the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) prohibits the maintenance, overhaul, or sale of aircraft belonging to sanctioned Russian entities. Furthermore, the Irish liquidator, Teneo Restructuring Ireland, is tasked with seizing and selling GTLK assets to compensate creditors, but the legal and regulatory restrictions surrounding the aircraft have prevented its movement or upkeep.