Flydubai flight crashes in Russia, 62 dead

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Rostov-on-Don in southwestern Russia crashed early Saturday morning, and all 55 passengers and seven crew onboard were killed, the budget carrier announced.

The Boeing 738 was trying to land in Rostov-on-Don, some 950 kilometres south of Moscow.

In a statement, Flydubai said that flight FZ981 crashed on landing at approximately 0050 GMT in Rostov on Don.

The aircraft departed from Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 1820 GMT bound for Rostov on Don (ROV).

"We are doing all we can to gather information as quickly as possible. At this moment our thoughts and prayers are with our passengers and our crew who were onboard the aircraft. We will do everything we can to help those who have been affected by this accident," Flydubai said.

Earlier, an official from Russian Emergency Situations Ministry announced the death of all 55 passengers and seven crew members of the plane died in the accident.

A statement issued by the Russian ministry noted that the aircraft had made an initial landing attempt and failed due to rough weather before it crashed while making a second attempt.

Updated emergency call centre numbers: 

From outside Russia:

+44 20 3450 8853 or +971 4 293 4100

From within Russia:

810 44 20 3450 8853 or 810 971 4 293 4100

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