Remembering Alex Confait on the 10th anniversary of his passing |21 March 2026
Alex Confait lost his life in the tragic crash in Rostov-on-Don 10 years ago
March 19 marked ten years since Alex Confait, a Seychellois cabin crew member with Flydubai, lost his life in the tragic crash in Rostov-on-Don, southern Russia. He was among six crew members and 55 passengers who perished that night, a disaster that claimed 62 lives in total.
Alex had joined Flydubai in August 2014, serving as a dedicated cabin crew member. On that fateful day, the Flydubai Boeing 737, en route from Dubai to Rostov-on-Don, crashed while attempting to land in poor weather. After circling the city for several hours, the aircraft missed the runway and erupted into flames.
On this solemn anniversary, a simple yet heartfelt tribute was placed beside a tree at the Flydubai office. White flowers were arranged delicately around its base, a bouquet laid nearby, and a commemorative plaque inscribed with the words “In loving memory” rested quietly on the ground.
Due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, most of the Confait family could not attend the ceremony, except for Alex’s brother Marvis, who resides there. Flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith and the mother of fellow crew member Javi Caro were also present.
Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Alex’s mother, Sheila Confait, reflected on the painful decade since the tragedy: “It was very tough for us when we heard the news, and these past 10 years have been extremely difficult. We have not had closure. We did not see him, we could not prepare him for his final farewell or hold him, and that is what hurts the most.”
She added: “Alex and I shared a very close bond, and I think of him every single day. I still feel his presence around me, and when I remember his jokes, they bring a smile to my face despite everything.”
Each year, the family organises a memorial mass. This year, however, because World Social Work Day was observed on March 19 with its own special mass, Alex’s memorial will instead be held on March 25 at noon at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Sheila noted that the mass will honour not only Alex but also all sportsmen who have passed away, as Alex was also an athlete.