As of Sunday at 10: 20 a. m. ET, Malaysia’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau confirmed the latest deep-sea search for malaysia airlines flight MH370 concluded on 23 January without new findings. What remains unresolved is whether Malaysia will extend Ocean Infinity’s “no find, no fee” contract, a decision that will determine whether another search phase proceeds in 2026.
Malaysia AAIB confirms two-phase search ended January 23 with no findings
In an official statement, Malaysia’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said the operation comprised two phases over 28 days and mapped roughly 7, 571 square km (2, 923 square miles) of seabed in the southern Indian Ocean. Periodic weather and sea conditions disrupted work, and the second phase closed on 23 January. The AAIB added that the government remains committed to keeping families informed and will provide further updates as appropriate.
The flight—carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew—disappeared from radar after departing Kuala Lumpur for Beijing 12 years ago. While the 2018 investigators’ report drew no conclusion about what happened, it did not rule out that the aircraft may have been deliberately taken off course. Those findings remain the last official assessment of the incident’s cause.
Ocean Infinity conducted the latest search under a “no find, no fee” agreement that would pay the company $70 million only if wreckage were located. The firm said it departed the search area on 23 January 2026 and, since first embarking on the mission in 2018, has spent 151 days at sea and mapped more than 140, 000 square km of seafloor. Company leadership stated the latest effort deployed more advanced technology than in 2018, did not locate the aircraft, and that the team intends to keep working with Malaysian authorities in hopes of returning when circumstances allow.
Voice370 and Ocean Infinity seek extension of Malaysia Airlines MH370 hunt
Voice370, the group representing families of those aboard malaysia airlines flight MH370, urged the Malaysian government to extend Ocean Infinity’s agreement so the search can continue past its current June end date. The group said an addendum extending the contract period—without altering core terms—would allow work to proceed without delay, and it encouraged officials to open the same “no find, no fee” structure to other qualified exploration firms.
Family representatives also flagged the approaching winter months in the southern hemisphere, warning that deteriorating sea conditions could limit near-term operations. They expressed concern that, without a swift extension, a further phase is unlikely to begin before the present contract expires, narrowing the workable maritime window later in the year.
Malaysian government decision before June will set next MH370 timeline
The next concrete trigger is a government decision on whether to extend Ocean Infinity’s contract beyond June. That ruling will determine if, when, and by whom the next seabed sweep moves forward, and whether the existing performance-based payment terms remain intact. No decision date has been announced as of Sunday at 10: 20 a. m. ET.
Three observable markers will clarify the path ahead:
- A formal extension request or acceptance filed by Ocean Infinity and the Malaysian government
- An AAIB update confirming any revised scope, area of interest, or schedule
- An announcement inviting additional firms to participate under “no find, no fee” terms
For now, Ocean Infinity’s latest departure from the search area and the AAIB’s confirmation of no new findings frame the immediate reality: the aircraft was not located within the 7, 571 square km area scanned in the most recent two-phase effort. Yet, Ocean Infinity has emphasized the value of eliminating search zones and signaled willingness to return, while also acknowledging the scale and technical challenge involved. The company publicly thanked the Malaysian and Australian governments and reiterated its ongoing engagement with Malaysian authorities.
Stakeholders face a tight operational calendar. If officials extend the contract swiftly, planners can sequence vessel availability, technical assets, and crew against seasonal conditions to reduce downtime from rough seas. If an extension slips past June or core terms change, a further phase could face new contracting steps and a later weather window, delaying renewed operations.
No government decision date is on the public calendar as of Sunday at 10: 20 a. m. ET. If Malaysia grants an extension before June under the existing performance-based terms, Ocean Infinity is expected to prepare a return to the Indian Ocean search area when sea conditions permit.
