Transport ministry says it's unaware of Abakan Air being blacklisted, says operator was given permit

The Transport ministry has clarified that it has not blacklisted the Russian cargo aircraft Abakan Air, adding that the aircraft’s visit was permitted.

This follows reports that the aircraft landed in Upington in the Northern Cape, proceeded to make a fuel stop at Lanseria Airport last week and departed after dropping off cargo and some planes.

The aircraft’s visit sparked concerns that it could sour ongoing negotiations between South Africa and the United States over the extension of AGOA, which expired in September.

Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi said that all due process was followed.

"The operator applied for the permit on 09 September 2025 and it was issued on 23 September 2025. The application sought a permit authorising the airline to transport general cargo, civilian helicopter, and acrobatic aeroplanes."

The US Treasury office of Foreign Assets Control blacklisted Abakan Air, a Moscow-based cargo outfit last year, saying the airline had been hauling Russian military kit and propping up its defence industry during its war in Ukraine.

However, Msibi said that they were unaware of the blacklisting.

"It is important to highlight that the South African government has not blacklisted the operator, concerned. Furthermore, the department has no knowledge or record of any information from any other government indicating that this operator has been blacklisted."