The tragedy of the flydubai crash in Rostov-on-Don leaves all of us stunned at the shatteringly abrupt loss of so many lives. The families and relatives of all the 62 people on board need our deepest sympathy, and it is important that we all reach out to them and give them the consolation of knowing that the UAE cares for their plight.
It is commendable that this care for the bereaved started even before the official investigation into what happened got underway, because the families and friends need all the support they can get to deal with their immediate loss.
In focus: Flydubai plane crash
This is the first time that any UAE airline has suffered a major crash so this terrible experience is a testing moment for the management of the company. As soon as the news broke of the crash, flydubai did well by working with full transparency which has done much to allay peoples’ doubts and fears that are natural in the aftermath of such a distressing event.
In such dreadful circumstances an airline has to expect to face shock, grief, and anger as the families start to realise their situation. It helps a very great deal if the airline behaves to the highest standards and does not seek to hide of confuse any facts, and flydubai is succeeding in this harrowing task. In addition, flydubai also moved quickly to help the bereaved by offering a programme of hardship payments of $20,000 (Dh 73,436) to each of the victims’ families to address their immediate financial needs.
The investigation into the reasons behind the crash will take some time. It is necessary that the investigation takes as much time as is needed so that the full truth is established and the correct lessons can be learnt.
It is wrong to come to any quick conclusions about who might be responsible for this tragedy, even if it is clear that the weather was bad and that the plane was held over Rostov-on-Don airport for two hours before making the attempted landing that failed so disastrously.
The Governor of the Rostov region has attributed the crash to a gust of wind, but it is much too early for such speculation and everyone would do better to wait for the black box to be analysed and the airport records to be reviewed. Calm clarity based on firm facts is what is needed from all authorities concerned.
