At the moment, a Rossiya – Special Detachment Ilyushin IL-96-300 is less than two hours away from touching down in Washington.
As per data from RadarBox.com, RSD898, the Ilyushin IL-96-300 in question, is to the south of Rhode Island currently as it continues on to Dulles.
The jet in question is RA-96018, a 15-year-old frame that has been with the government for a long time.
At this stage, it is unclear what the reasoning for this flight is.
Not The First Time These Flights Have Happened: Not in Washington, But in Berlin…
Back in April, one of these Russian Ilyushin IL-96-300’s was spotted in Berlin, Germany.
Allegedly, the aircraft flew to the German capital to transport around 150 persons back to Russia. This is at least the second visit the aircraft has made in the last 12 months at the time.
AviationSource photographer Emil Bree acquired photos of RA-96014, the Russian IL-96 in question, landing and taking off from Berlin that day.
AviationSource will continue to provide live updates on the status of the Ilyushin IL-96-300 heading to Washington from Moscow.
Updates of the Flight…
More to follow!
UPDATE #1 @ 1833 UK time – RSD898 has now begun its descent into Washington Dulles, with the aircraft being in the air for 11 hours already.
UPDATE #2 @ 1837 UK time – RSD898 is now heading north of Washington, over the Allentown area, descending through FL230.
UPDATE #3 @ 1842 UK time – RSD898 has now made a left-hand turn towards the Washington Dulles area. The aircraft is holding at FL200, awaiting further descent.
UPDATE #4 @ 1849 UK time – RSD898 is to the north of Baltimore and is still at FL200. Still a little while away from its destination yet.
UPDATE #5 @ 1850 UK time – RSD898 is now continuing its descent, last tracked through 18,400 feet.
UPDATE #6 @ 1855 UK time – RSD898 is passing through 10,000 feet as it gets closer to Washington Dulles.
UPDATE #7 @ 1900 UK time – RSD898 is passing through 7,500 feet, and looks to be setting itself up for the northern runway at Washington Dulles.
UPDATE #8 @ 1904 UK time – RSD898 is now on its final approach into Washington Dulles, with landing to be expected imminently.
UPDATE #9 @ 1908 UK time – RSD898 has landed in Washington Dulles. Once again, the reasoning for this flight is still unknown and yet to be confirmed by official authorities. Standby for further developments.
UPDATE #10 @ 1913 UK time – iNews confirming that the purpose of this flight is to carry Russian diplomats home back to Moscow. A U.S Spokesperson said the following:
“The US government has allowed the Russian government to send a charter flight to the United States to transport to Russia those Russian diplomats whose assignments have ended.”
“We also maintain strict reciprocity with Russia regarding special transport missions for diplomatic personnel and cargo.”
