Russian school comforts children over FlyDubai crash

DUBAI // Staff at the Russian International School have been helping youngsters cope with the distress of hearing about the FlyDubai jet crash at Rostov-on-Don.

Marina Khalikova, principal of the Russian International School, said most of the pupils had flown with the budget carrier on trips back home to Russia.

A Sadness Day was held after the crash last week with children asking questions, ranging from whether flying was safe, what caused the crash and which airlines were safe and frequently used.

During a school memorial service “We mourn and remember” was written across one poster.

“The teachers held discussions in classes because the children were touched by what happened to people of the same citizenship, even if none of the schoolchildren or teachers had relatives who died in the crash,” Ms Khalikova said.

“Teachers have explained that investigations must be done and we specified that people should not come to any conclusions on their own. We feel sorrow for those in Rostov.”

Awareness about safety standards was also required, experts said.

“Since such accidents fuel the narrative that low cost means less safe, one thing budget airlines can do is show what is being done to go over and beyond the industry standard when it comes to safety,” said Ashley Nunes, an aviation analyst based out of Washington DC who conducts policy research in aviation safety.

“When it comes to safety standards, the responsibility lies with government regulators to ensure compliance by airlines regardless of the business models used by those airlines. FlyDubai for example has invested billions in its fleet, which is by far one of the most modern and reliable in the skies today.”