Malaysia approves new search for missing plane 11 years later

Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian government has authorised a renewed search for the wreckage of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, more than a decade after the aircraft disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

The new search operation will cover a vast 15,000 square kilometre area in the southern Indian Ocean.

This initiative is being carried out under a “no find, no fee” agreement with the exploration company Ocean Infinity, which will be entitled to $70 million if the wreckage is located.

Flight MH370, a Boeing 777, vanished from radar on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 people on board.

The aircraft’s sudden disappearance has remained one of the most perplexing aviation mysteries in modern history, captivating the world and sparking widespread international investigation.

For the families of the passengers, the case remains an ongoing tragedy, with many still struggling to come to terms with the uncertainty surrounding the loss of their loved ones.

Despite extensive efforts to locate the wreckage in the years following the disappearance, no definitive evidence of the aircraft has been found.

A multinational search, which involved Malaysia, Australia, and China, spanned several years and was one of the largest and most expensive search operations in history, costing approximately $150 million. 

Unfortunately, it was called off in 2017, after failing to uncover the wreckage or any conclusive evidence pointing to its location.

In a joint statement issued by the governments of Malaysia, Australia, and China, officials clarified that the new search would only be resumed if “credible new evidence” emerged that could guide investigators to the aircraft’s location.

The statement also expressed the hope that the search could bring closure to the families who have endured years of uncertainty.

“While this search offers the possibility of closure, we must be mindful of the complex nature of this investigation,” said Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport in a statement on the new search effort. “We remain committed to uncovering the truth and bringing answers to the families who have waited so long for resolution.”

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which has been deeply involved in the search operations, reaffirmed its support for the latest efforts.

“The search for MH370 is a continuing mission of great importance, not only to the families of those lost but also to aviation safety,” said ATSB Chief Commissioner.

“We continue to support the search for new evidence that could lead to the aircraft’s discovery.”

Ocean Infinity, the exploration firm contracted for the search, first took part in the operation in 2018 under a similar arrangement.

That search also ended without success after three months of intensive work. The company’s involvement in the new search follows its previous attempt, and it has expressed optimism that advances in technology and methodology could lead to new breakthroughs.