(Updated 5:41p.m.) A passenger plane with at least 55 passengers and seven crew on board has crashed in the southern Russian city as it was landing at the Rostov-on-Don airport on Saturday morning, March 19.
State news agency in Russia has reported that all people on board the flydubai Boeing 738-800 have died in the incident.
In a Facebook post, flydubai also confirmed the fatalities of 55 passengers including 33 women, 18 men and 4 children. The nationalities of the deceased passengers include 44 Russians, 8 Ukrainians, 2 Indians and 1 Uzbekistani.
The aircraft departed from Dubai International (DXB) at 18:20 GMT bound for Rostov on Don (ROV). The accident occurred in Rostov on Don at approximately 00:50 GMT.
"Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith, with the support of the full management team, is leading our response to the accident. At this stage the focus of our efforts is on establishing the facts around the incident and providing all possible support to the authorities," flydubai shared on Facebook.
Meanwhile, initial report of BBC said possible cause of the crash were but poor visibility and high winds.
Boeing Statement on flydubai FZ981
"Boeing’s thoughts and prayers are with those on board flydubai flight FZ981 and their families and friends.
Boeing stands ready to provide technical assistance upon the request of government agencies conducting the investigation.
In accordance with the international protocol governing aviation accident investigations, all inquiries about the investigation must be directed to investigating authorities."
FlyDubai, a low cost carrier launched in 2009 with its hub in Dubai, operates flights to some 90 destinations.
State news agency in Russia has reported that all people on board the flydubai Boeing 738-800 have died in the incident.
In a Facebook post, flydubai also confirmed the fatalities of 55 passengers including 33 women, 18 men and 4 children. The nationalities of the deceased passengers include 44 Russians, 8 Ukrainians, 2 Indians and 1 Uzbekistani.
The aircraft departed from Dubai International (DXB) at 18:20 GMT bound for Rostov on Don (ROV). The accident occurred in Rostov on Don at approximately 00:50 GMT.
FIRST images emerge from #FlyDubai plane crash in Russia. More here: https://t.co/G6a9VxZkxa pic.twitter.com/A1BD0c9PUq— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 19, 2016
"Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith, with the support of the full management team, is leading our response to the accident. At this stage the focus of our efforts is on establishing the facts around the incident and providing all possible support to the authorities," flydubai shared on Facebook.
Meanwhile, initial report of BBC said possible cause of the crash were but poor visibility and high winds.
Boeing Statement on flydubai FZ981
"Boeing’s thoughts and prayers are with those on board flydubai flight FZ981 and their families and friends.
Boeing stands ready to provide technical assistance upon the request of government agencies conducting the investigation.
In accordance with the international protocol governing aviation accident investigations, all inquiries about the investigation must be directed to investigating authorities."
FlyDubai, a low cost carrier launched in 2009 with its hub in Dubai, operates flights to some 90 destinations.
