Viral social media posts recently claimed that a Mauritania Hajj flight crash hoax the plane carrying Mauritanian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia had crashed. These posts featured dramatic, misleading images of an aircraft crashing into the sea and another engulfed in flames. However, Mauritanian authorities have firmly denied the rumors, labeling them as completely false.
Al-Wali Taha, Director of Hajj Affairs at Mauritania’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, assured the public that all Mauritanian pilgrims have arrived safely in Saudi Arabia. He confirmed that none of the Hajj flights encountered any problems during transit. Mauritania Airlines also released an official statement affirming that the 2025 Hajj operations concluded smoothly without any accidents or emergency landings.
Investigators used reverse image search tools to uncover the truth behind the images in the viral posts. One photo of a plane plunging into the sea originated at least four years ago, while the image of the burning aircraft first appeared online in 2018. Neither image relates to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage or Mauritania Airlines.
Authorities have urged citizens to verify all information before sharing it on social platforms. They emphasized that spreading fake news, especially about serious matters like aviation disasters, causes unnecessary public panic and undermines trust in official channels.
Mauritanian officials continue to monitor online misinformation and take proactive steps to ensure public confidence remains intact. They reiterated their commitment to safe and well-organized pilgrimages in cooperation with Saudi authorities.
This incident highlights the need for responsible online behavior and careful fact-checking to prevent the circulation of false narratives that may tarnish reputations and disrupt social harmony.
