PIB Fact Check: Claim About Bathinda Airfield Being Destroyed Is FAKE

Introduction

In an era of digital virality, misinformation spreads faster than facts, especially during times of regional tension or military mobilization. A recent social media wave falsely claimed that the Bathinda Airfield in Punjab had been destroyed. These false reports have since been debunked by the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit (PIB Fact Check).

The Viral Fake: “Bathinda Airfield Destroyed”

Multiple social media posts began circulating with alarming headlines such as:

“Urgent: Bhatinda Airfield has been destroyed in an airstrike. Heavy damage reported!”

These posts were designed to spark panic, relying on fear tactics and unverified visual content to mislead the public.

🚨 VIRAL CLAIM ABOUT BATHINDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA! 🚨

Posts are being artificially spread, claiming that the Bhatinda Airfield has been DESTROYED! #PIBFactCheck

❌ FAKE ALERT!

✅ The Bathinda Airfield is FULLY OPERATIONAL and there is NO DAMAGE WHATSOEVER.

Don't fall for… pic.twitter.com/ihjkvyRbtH

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 10, 2025

PIB Fact Check Issues Official Clarification

To counter this wave of fake news, @PIBFactCheck published an official statement on May 9, 2025:

🚨 VIRAL CLAIM ABOUT BATHINDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

Posts are being artificially spread, claiming that the Bhatinda Airfield has been DESTROYED!

#PIBFactCheck

❌ FAKE ALERT!

✅ The Bathinda Airfield is FULLY OPERATIONAL and there is NO DAMAGE WHATSOEVER.

Don’t fall for misinformation. Stay informed, stay alert.

What’s the Truth?

• No airstrike or attack has occurred at the Bathinda Airfield.
• The base remains fully operational, with no reported structural damage or incidents.
• The circulated claims are part of a fabricated propaganda effort aimed at spreading fear and confusion.

Why Such Misinformation Is Dangerous

🛑 It creates panic among civilians.

Especially in regions near military installations, false alerts can cause mass fear and unnecessary evacuations.

🛑 It undermines national security.

Such rumors aim to portray weakness, undermining public confidence in defense capabilities.

🛑 It spreads distrust.

It confuses the public and can harm India’s image in international media if left unchecked.

Be a Responsible Digital Citizen

✅ Verify Before Sharing:

Use trusted platforms for fact-checking:

• @PIBFactCheck
• https://pib.gov.in

✅ Report Misinformation:

• Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
• WhatsApp: +91-8799711259

✅ Educate Your Network:

Share verified information and encourage others to follow responsible digital behavior.

Explore more fake viral

• PIB Fact Check: Fake Claim of Indian Female Air Force Pilot Captured in Pakistan Debunked
• Fact Check: Viral Video of MLRS Attack is from a Video Game, Not a Real Pakistani Strike on India
• Fact Check: False Claim About Sukhoi Su-30MKI Being Shot Down in Muzaffarabad
• Fact Check: False Claim by China Daily About Indian Jets Crashing in Kashmir
• PIB Fact Check: Viral Video Claiming Missile Attack on Delhi Airport is FAKE

Conclusion

The viral claim regarding the destruction of Bathinda Airfield is entirely fake. The airfield is functioning normally, and there is no truth to the reports spreading on social media. The PIB Fact Check team has confirmed the false nature of these claims, urging citizens to stay alert and only trust verified sources.

Let us work together to fight misinformation and uphold the truth during critical times.