In October 2024, a video surfaced online depicting an Emirates aircraft encroaching on a runway as a Qantas plane was landing, allegedly at Dubai Airport. The footage, which quickly went viral, was shared across various social media platforms, with captions suggesting a near-collision between the two aircraft. However, upon closer examination, it was revealed that the video was not an authentic recording of an actual event. Fact-checking organizations, including Fact Crescendo, investigated the clip and determined that it was a digitally created simulation, not a real incident.
This incident highlights the growing prevalence of digitally fabricated or misleading videos circulating on social media, especially concerning aviation. Such content can cause unnecessary panic and spread misinformation among viewers. For instance, in October 2024, a video clip created using the combat simulation video game Digital Combat Simulator World (DCS) was wrongly labeled as depicting a real incident involving a Russian jet flying close to a U.S. aircraft. Reuters confirmed that the event did take place on September 23, 2024, but the video circulating online was different from the authentic footage released by the Department of Defense. The video game footage was created and shared by a YouTube channel named “MasterArm,” and its owner acknowledged that the clip is from the DCS World game, not real life.
In another instance, a video circulated on social media claiming to show a boat capsizing near Goa’s shores. This claim was debunked by the Goa Police, who clarified that the incident occurred in Goma, Congo, Africa, and not in Goa. They urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified news.
These examples underscore the importance of verifying the authenticity of online content before sharing or believing it. Misinformation can lead to unwarranted fear and confusion. It’s crucial for viewers to cross-reference such videos with credible news sources or official statements from relevant authorities. In the case of the alleged near-collision at Dubai Airport, no official reports or credible news outlets confirmed the occurrence of such an event. Therefore, it’s essential to approach sensational videos with skepticism and seek verification from trusted sources.
