UNWTO Saddened by FlyDubai Plane Crash in Russia

The UNWTO is deeply saddened by the news of the accident of Flydubai flight FZ981.

A FlyDubai airliner, en route from Dubai, crashed in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don early Saturday, killing all 62 people aboard. Flydubai is a low-cost airline owned by the Dubai Government.

“On behalf of the international tourism community, UNWTO expresses its sympathies and condolences to the families and friends of the victims”, an announcement by the organization said Saturday.

“It was with great sorrow that we heard the news of this tragedy and express our heartfelt solidarity with the families and friends of the passengers at this most difficult time”, said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

According to the Russian Emergency Ministry, the Boeing 737-800, flight 981, crashed during a repeated landing attempt at Rostov-on-Don airport.

Reports claim that the airliner missed the runway amid heavy rain and that the plane’s wing had touched the runway upon a second landing attempt, causing it to break apart.

Flight FZ981 departed from Dubai International Airport at 10:20 p.m. local time Friday and was bound for Rostov-on-Don. The accident occurred at the destination about 3:50 a.m. local time Saturday.

Of those on board, 55 were passengers and seven were crew members, the Russian Emergency Ministry said. The airline said the nationalities of the passengers included 44 Russians, eight Ukrainians, two Indians and one Uzbekistani. The plane’s pilot was from Cyprus, Russian news agency Interfax reported.