Russian Government Aircraft Touches Down in Casablanca
In an intriguing development on the morning of November 1, 2026, a Russian government aircraft, registered as RA-96018 and belonging to the Russian air unit "Rossiya," landed at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco. The aircraft had just completed a flight from Atlanta, where it had transported Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting held on October 30 and 31. This particular model, an Iliouchine Il-96-300, is specifically designated for the transportation of high-ranking state officials, underscoring its significance in diplomatic missions.
Flight tracking data reveals that the aircraft covered a remarkable distance of 6,956 kilometers during its transatlantic journey, taking approximately 9 hours and 13 minutes at a cruising speed of nearly 850 kilometers per hour. After its brief stop in Casablanca, the plane is expected to continue on to its final destination, Moscow, further emphasizing the strategic nature of its operations.
Interestingly, this is not the first time the aircraft has made a stop in Morocco; it had previously paused in Casablanca on its outbound journey from Moscow to the United States. Departing from Vnukovo Airport in Russia's capital, it had first touched down in Casablanca before heading to Atlanta. This consistent routing illustrates the importance of Morocco as a transit point for international diplomatic travel.
The arrival of this aircraft aligns with the conclusion of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's participation in the G20 meeting in Atlanta, where he led the Russian delegation amidst a backdrop of escalating international tensions. These tensions, particularly evident in discussions within the United Nations Security Council, highlight significant geopolitical issues, including the ongoing debates concerning the Sahara. Lavrov's presence at this high-profile meeting reflects Russia's active engagement in global diplomatic affairs.
As reported by lareleve.ma.
