A Boeing 737-800 passenger jet operated by the low-cost carrier, flydubai, has crashed in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, killing all 55 passengers and seven crew on board.

Flight FZ981 which was flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Rostov on Don (ROV), missed the runway as it attempted to land at 03:50 local time on Saturday and burst into flames.

Speaking about the incident, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith, said, “Our primary concern is for the families of the passengers and crew who were on board.

“Everyone at flydubai is in deep shock and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those involved. We don’t yet know all the details of the accident but we are working closely with the authorities to establish the cause.

“We are making every effort to care for those affected and will provide assistance to the loved ones of those on board.”

Flydubai has confirmed it is in the process of verifying the passenger list however preliminary numbers indicate 55 passengers including 33 women, 18 men and 4 children and 7 crew on board on the Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The aircraft had departed Dubai International (DXB) at 18.20GMT on Friday 18 March and was due to arrive that evening at 22.40GMT.

Boeing said in a statement: “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.”