Nouakchott: Recent social media rumors claiming that a Mauritanian Hajj flight crashed en route to Saudi Arabia, killing 210 pilgrims, have been officially debunked. Authorities and aviation officials confirmed that the widely circulated reports are false, and the accompanying images are misleading and unrelated to this year’s pilgrimage.
The fabricated story, which spread rapidly online, alleged that a Mauritania Airlines aircraft carrying Hajj pilgrims crashed, resulting in a total loss of life. The posts included dramatic images—one showing an aircraft plummeting into the sea, and another depicting a burning plane engulfed in flames on the ground.
However, both the Mauritanian government and the national airline have categorically denied the claims.
Mauritanian Authorities Respond
In an official statement, Al-Wali Taha, Director of Hajj Affairs at Mauritania’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, reassured the public that:
“All Mauritanian pilgrims have safely arrived in Saudi Arabia, and no incident has occurred involving any Hajj flights.”
Mauritania Airlines echoed the government’s clarification, stating that:
“All flights operated for the 2025 Hajj season were completed without any accidents. No technical issues, emergencies, or disruptions were reported by the airline or aviation authorities.”
Viral Images Found to Be Fake
A thorough reverse image search of the photos used in the viral posts revealed that the visuals are completely unrelated to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage:
- The image showing a plane crashing into water was traced back to an unrelated aviation accident that occurred several years ago.
- The burning aircraft photo dates back to 2018 and has been reused out of context to mislead viewers.
These findings confirm that the narrative of a Mauritanian Hajj flight disaster was not only fabricated but also strategically fueled using manipulated visual content.
Warnings Against Disinformation
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution and responsibility when sharing sensitive information online—especially involving religious events like the Hajj, which hold deep emotional and spiritual significance for millions of Muslims worldwide.
Spreading false reports, officials warned, can lead to panic, confusion, and distress among families and communities with loved ones performing the pilgrimage.
Final Verdict: ❌ FALSE
- There has been no crash involving Mauritanian Hajj flights in 2025.
- All pilgrims are safe and accounted for in Saudi Arabia.
- The images circulating online are old, unrelated, and misleading.
Social media users are strongly advised to verify claims before sharing and rely only on trusted sources for news concerning public safety and international travel.
