Malaysia Extends MH370 Search Contract with Ocean Infinity

Malaysia has renewed its contract with underwater exploration company Ocean Infinity to continue searching for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean. The one-year extension, approved by the cabinet, will allow the completion of scanning the remaining 7,428 square kilometers of the designated search area between November 2026 and April 2027. The flight disappeared in 2014 while traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. China.org+2

🌊 Search Area Expansion

The extended operation will focus on covering the remaining 7,428.54 square kilometers in the southern Indian Ocean, where previous searches have failed to locate the aircraft. The Malaysian Transport Ministry confirmed the new phase would utilize Ocean Infinity's advanced underwater technology during optimal sea conditions. Huanqiu+2

⏳ Extended Timeline

The renewed agreement runs until June 30, 2027, marking over a decade of continuous search efforts since the plane's disappearance. Operations are scheduled during the November-April window when weather conditions are most favorable for deep-sea exploration. The cabinet approved the extension on June 26 before the official announcement. CCTV+2

🛠️ Ocean Infinity's Role

The Texas-based company will lead the technical operations using specialized equipment to scan the ocean floor. This marks their continued involvement in what remains one of aviation's greatest mysteries. Previous searches by Ocean Infinity and other agencies have covered vast portions of the southern Indian Ocean without success. CCTV+2

✈️ Ongoing Aviation Mystery

MH370 vanished on March 8, 2014, with 239 people aboard, sparking one of history's most extensive search operations. The extension reflects Malaysia's commitment to providing closure for victims' families despite the 12-year gap since the disappearance. No significant wreckage has been found since some debris washed ashore in 2015-2016. The Independent+2