A false claim that a plane carrying 200 Hajj pilgrims had crashed into the Red Sea sparked widespread panic online on Tuesday, but Mauritania Airlines has firmly debunked the rumour, confirming that all its Hajj-bound flights have arrived safely at their destinations.
The misleading report, which circulated across social media platforms, alleged that one of the airline’s aircraft had plunged into the sea while en route to Saudi Arabia with pilgrims aboard. The falsehood quickly gained traction, prompting concerns among families of intending pilgrims and the broader public.
In a swift response, Mauritania Airlines issued an official statement stating categorically that “all flights transporting pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise landed safely with no incident whatsoever.” The airline stressed that the fake news had no basis in reality and urged the public to disregard such unfounded reports.
A spokesperson for the airline reiterated that their fleet, including those designated for the Hajj operations, are operating under strict international safety standards, and that passenger welfare remains their top priority.
Authorities in Mauritania have also cautioned against the spread of unverified information that could cause unnecessary alarm, particularly during the sensitive Hajj season, when thousands of pilgrims travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the sacred Islamic rites.
As of today, all pilgrims from Mauritania are reported to be in good health and have commenced or completed their arrival procedures in Makkah and Madinah in preparation for the upcoming Hajj rites, which begin in earnest in the coming days.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation in the digital age and reinforces the importance of confirming facts through official sources before sharing.
