Malaysia extends MH370 search contract with Ocean Infinity

New developments have emerged regarding the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared over 12 years ago with 239 people on board. The Malaysian government has decided to extend its contract with the seabed exploration company Ocean Infinity for an additional 12 months, covering the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Due to existing commercial commitments, Ocean Infinity's primary search vessels are expected to be redeployed to the southern Indian Ocean between November 2026 and April 2027, a window when sea conditions are expected to be more favorable for underwater surveys. The company still faces a significant area of approximately 7,428.54 square kilometers to survey.

In related investigative findings, authorities have revisited details regarding the aircraft's cargo. Investigators previously examined whether a specific combination of goods—including 4,566 kg of mangosteens and 2,453 kg of Motorola Solutions equipment containing lithium-ion batteries—could have caused a fire or electrical short circuit. While these items were shipped together 36 times on other flights between January and May 2014 without incident, the proximity of the cargo remains a point of interest in the ongoing investigation into the flight's disappearance.