Who Is Mathias Rust? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on June 1, 1968, in Hamburg, Germany, Mathias Rust is now 57 years old. He is best known for his daring act of flying a single-engine Cessna 172 from Finland to Moscow, where he famously landed near Red Square in May 1987. The event garnered international attention and significant media coverage, symbolizing both the audacity of the individual spirit and the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era. Rust's actions were perceived as a protest against the Soviet regime and have left a lasting impact on discussions around personal freedoms and civil disobedience.
| Occupation | Criminals |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 1, 1968 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Wedel, Schleswig-Holstein, West Germany |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Germany |
Popularity
Mathias Rust's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As of 2025, Mathias Rust stands approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighs around 170 pounds (77 kg). While specific body measurements are not widely published, his athletic build reflects his passion for outdoor activities and aviation.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mathias Rust has always kept a low profile regarding his personal life. As of 2025, there are no concrete reports about his romantic relationships. It is known that he values privacy and has chosen to focus on his activism and personal projects rather than public relationships.
Net Worth and Salary
Rust's net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $1 million. Following his infamous flight and subsequent imprisonment during the Soviet era, he has worked in various capacities, including as a motivational speaker and consultant, contributing to his financial stability. However, specific details regarding his salary and business ventures remain undisclosed.
On 24 November 1989, while doing his obligatory community service (Zivildienst) as an orderly in a West German hospital, Rust stabbed a female co-worker who had "apparently rejected him". He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, but was released after 15 months.
Since then, he has lived a fragmented life, describing himself as a "bit of an oddball". After being released from court, he converted to Hinduism in 1996 to become engaged to a daughter of an Indian tea merchant. In 2001, he was convicted of stealing a cashmere pullover and ordered to pay a fine of 10,000 DM, which was later reduced to 600 DM.
Another legal incident occurred during 2005, when he was convicted of fraud and had to pay a €1,500 fine. In 2009, Rust described himself as a professional poker player.
Most recently, in 2012, he described himself as an analyst for a Zürich-based investment bank, dividing his time between Hamburg, Switzerland and Asia, and is training to be a yoga teacher. He said he had plans to open a yoga school in Hamburg.
Career, Business, and Investments
After the 1987 incident, Mathias Rust transitioned into a career that focused on activism, speaking engagements, and advocacy for personal freedoms and social justice. He has participated in various projects that promote dialogue and understanding between different cultures and political systems. While he may not have a traditional business empire, he continues to engage in discussions about freedom of expression and individual rights.
Mathias Rust (born 1 June 1968) is a German aviator known for his flight that ended with a landing near Red Square in Moscow on 28 May 1987. Then a teenage amateur pilot, he flew from Helsinki, Finland, to Moscow, without authorization.
According to Russian claims he was tracked several times by Soviet Air Defence Forces and civilian air traffic controllers, as well as Soviet Air Force interceptor aircraft. The Soviet fighters did not receive permission to shoot him down, and his aeroplane was mistaken for a friendly aircraft several times.
Also, 28 May 1987 was Border Guards Day, leaving many guards distracted. He landed on Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge, next to Red Square near the Kremlin in the capital of the USSR.
Social Network
Mathias Rust is not particularly active on social media, as he prefers to stay out of the limelight. However, he does maintain a presence on platforms like LinkedIn and occasionally shares insights related to his experiences and journeys. He engages with followers sparingly, often focusing on topics relevant to his activism.
Rust's return to Germany on 3 August 1988 was accompanied by huge media attention, but he did not talk to the journalists assembled; his family had sold the exclusive rights to the story to the German magazine Stern for 100,000 DM. He reported that he had been treated well in the Soviet prison. Journalists described him as "psychologically unstable and unworldly in a dangerous manner".
Education
Rust pursued his education in Germany, where he developed a keen interest in aviation and public speaking. The details surrounding his educational background are limited, but it is clear that his experiences and self-driven initiatives have played a significant role in shaping his worldview and commitment to activism.
