Malaysia to Relaunch Search for Missing Flight MH370 After 10 Years
New search by Ocean Infinity focuses on a 15,000-square-kilometer area in the Indian Ocean.
Malaysia has announced plans to relaunch the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, nearly a decade after the Boeing 777 disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that maritime exploration firm Ocean Infinity will lead the new search operation, which is set to cover a 15,000-square-kilometer area of the southern Indian Ocean. Ocean Infinity previously conducted an unsuccessful search in 2018 following a three-year Australia-led effort that ended in 2017.
The renewed search will operate on a “no find, no fee” basis, with Malaysia agreeing to pay $70 million only if the aircraft is located. The contract, expected to be finalized by early 2025, will run for 18 months, with the optimal search window between January and April.
The decision reflects the government’s commitment to providing closure to the families of the victims. While hopes are high, Loke cautioned that there are no guarantees of success.
Family members of the passengers remain hopeful. "I truly hope there will be an end to the loss of MH370. May all questions be answered," said Rosila Abu Samah, the stepmother of one of the victims.
The disappearance of MH370 remains one of aviation's greatest mysteries, with past investigations pointing to potential manual course changes and lapses in air traffic control. The world now watches closely as Malaysia takes another step toward solving this enduring puzzle.