According to the spokesperson of Iran’s aviation organization, the exact number of people on board was 167 passengers and nine crew members. State news media had initially reported that the plane was carrying 180 people. Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) stated that most of the passengers were Iranians, however, some foreign nationals were also on the flight.[13] Officials confirmed that at least 130 people on board were Iranian,[17] most of whom were students going back to European countries and Canada via Ukraine, after the winter holiday.[18]