A massive Russian plane sighted flying across the UK was scheduled, according to an airport.
The Antonov 124 sparked questions on social media after people spotted it in the skies above Derbyshire earlier this week.
With the ongoing incident in Ukraine many speculated on the reason behind its appearance.
However East Midlands Airport has now issued a statement explaining the plane was flying over the UK as part of a pre-planned route, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
The cargo aircraft started its flight in Russia but then landed at the airport on Tuesday (February 22) at 8.27am.
It left following the stoppage at 1.45pm the following day.
FlightRadar24 confirmed the flight path of the plane passed through Russia, Finland and Sweden, before crossing over Sheffield and landing at East Midland Airport, in Castle Donington.
The arrival and departure of this aircraft was a scheduled part of East Midland Airport’s regular cargo operation.
The airport has handled four Antonov aircraft in the last year, a spokesperson for the airport confirmed.
The spokesperson added: "This particular occurrence of February happened before the UK Government imposed sanctions on Russian aircraft, which came into effect on Friday (February 25).
"Following this, the airport will continue to comply with UK Government and Department for Transport regulations."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson banned all services operated by aircraft from Russia, taking effect today, February 25, in response to Vladmir Putin's decision to invade Ukraine.
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