The Antonov AN-124, the world’s largest operating cargo plane, touched down at Melbourne Orlando International Airport before 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Operated by Ukrainian carrier Antonov Airlines, the plane was en route to deliver a payload of more than 50,000 pounds to the Pacific Northwest. This marked its second visit to the airport in less than two years, following a stop in March 2024. Airport officials confirmed the flight was part of a regular logistics route, though specifics about the cargo’s contents were not disclosed.
Spectators gathered near the runway as the plane landed, its massive size drawing attention from aviation enthusiasts and local residents. The AN-124, which is nearly 140 feet long and capable of carrying payloads up to 250,000 pounds, rolled smoothly onto the tarmac. Airport manager Lisa Nguyen said the facility has handled similar large aircraft before but noted the AN-124’s size and weight requirements made the landing a carefully coordinated effort.
The plane’s previous visit in March 2024 also involved a heavy payload, though the exact destination was not publicly shared at the time. Antonov Airlines has been using the airport as a hub for transcontinental shipments since 2022, according to federal aviation records. The company’s operations in the U.S. have expanded in recent years, with flights connecting to multiple international destinations.
Local businesses near the airport reported no disruptions from the landing. However, some residents expressed curiosity about the plane’s presence, with one passerby, 58-year-old retiree James Carter, saying, “It’s cool to see something so big land here. I’ve never seen anything like that in Brevard.” The plane departed shortly after landing, heading west toward its next destination.