Malaysia approves new search for missing flight MH370

The Malaysian government has approved, in principle, a new search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, the plane that vanished in 2014 with 239 people on board, marking one of aviation’s most enduring mysteries.

On Friday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced a tentative $70 million deal with US-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity under a “no find, no fee” arrangement. Ocean Infinity will only be compensated if it locates the wreckage. “We hope this time will be positive,” Loke said, emphasizing the importance of providing closure to the families of those affected.

The new search will focus on a 15,000-square-kilometer area in the southern Indian Ocean, based on newly identified “credible” data. While specific terms are still being negotiated, Loke indicated the details would be finalized early next year.

Relatives of MH370 passengers expressed cautious optimism. “This announcement stirs mixed emotions—hope, gratitude, and sorrow,” said Intan Maizura Othaman, whose husband, Mohd Hazrin Mohamed Hasnan, was part of the cabin crew. “After nearly 11 years, the uncertainty and pain of not having answers have been incredibly difficult for us.”

Jacquita Gonzales, wife of inflight supervisor Patrick Gomes, called the announcement “the best Christmas present ever.” Meanwhile, Jiang Hui, whose mother was aboard the flight, urged the Malaysian government to adopt “a more open approach” to the search, allowing broader participation.

Ocean Infinity’s CEO Oliver Plunkett welcomed the decision, describing it as “great news.” He added, “We look forward to sharing further updates in the new year once we’ve finalized the details and the team gets ready to go.”

Flight MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Communication with air traffic control was lost less than an hour after takeoff, and the plane veered off its planned path. Investigators believe the aircraft crashed in the southern Indian Ocean, but the reasons behind its deviation remain a mystery.

Previous searches have been extensive but unsuccessful. A multinational effort costing $150 million ended in 2017 after two years, while Ocean Infinity’s 2018 mission under similar terms lasted three months without success.

Debris believed to be from MH370 has since washed up on Indian Ocean shores, but a conclusive explanation remains elusive. A 2018 investigation suggested deliberate manipulation of the controls but failed to determine who was responsible. “The answer can only be conclusive if the wreckage is found,” investigators concluded.

The new search offers renewed hope for answers as families, experts, and governments work toward solving a decade-long enigma.