Flight 981 aborted its first landing attempt and entered a holding pattern for nearly two hours before making a second landing attempt. After aborting the second attempt, the aircraft climbed sharply during the go-around procedure and then descended rapidly and crashed onto the runway.

Yes, Flydubai has had one major fatal accident in its history. On March 19, 2016, Flydubai Flight FZ981, a Boeing 737-800 traveling from Dubai to Rostov-on-Don, Russia, crashed during a missed approach in severe weather conditions. Tragically, all 62 people on board (55 passengers and 7 crew members) were killed. The final investigation report attributed the crash to "pilot error" and "spatial disorientation" during a difficult go-around procedure in high winds and poor visibility. Aside from this tragic event, the airline has maintained a strong safety record. It is important to note that Flydubai operates a very modern fleet and underwent rigorous safety audits following the 2016 incident. In 2026, it remains a primary low-cost carrier in the Middle East with a high safety rating, but FZ981 remains the sole hull loss and fatal accident in the company's operational history since its founding in 2008.