The latest search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has concluded without locating the missing aircraft, according to exploration company Ocean Infinity.
On March 8, 2026, the company confirmed that its most recent search effort had ended after an extensive mission in the Indian Ocean.
Ocean Infinity Chief Executive Officer Oliver Plunkett said the team had revisited the search area using the latest available information and technology but was unable to locate the aircraft.
“It was important for us to take advantage of every piece of information and data available and go back, but despite all that effort, we haven’t been able to find it,” he said.
The company had returned to the region following years of analysis and technological advancement aimed at narrowing down potential search zones.
Extensive Search Effort
On January 23, 2026, Ocean Infinity departed the search area after completing its latest mission. Since first beginning its search efforts in 2018, the company has spent 151 days at sea and mapped more than 140,000 square kilometres of seafloor.
Plunkett acknowledged the enormous challenge involved in searching for the aircraft.
“The scale of the challenge both geographically and technologically is almost impossible to comprehend,” he said.
“We’re proud to have brought our expertise and the most advanced technology we’ve ever deployed. The combination of scientific rigour, automation techniques, robotics, and greater organisational experience meant this search was carried out with a level of precision and speed unimaginable in 2018.”
Support From Families and Governments
Plunkett also expressed appreciation for the support received during the mission.
“Since 2018, we’ve spent more than 150 days at sea and covered over 140,000 square kilometres of seafloor. We’re deeply grateful for the support of the families, the Malaysian Government, the Australian Government, and the many companies and individuals who dedicated time and effort because they cared and wanted to help,” he said.
While the aircraft has still not been located, the company noted that eliminating search areas remains an important part of the process.
“If nothing else, we can say with confidence that it isn’t where we looked. That matters – it brings clarity, and it will help those continuing to study the evidence refine their thinking and shape future search strategies,” Plunkett said.
Search May Continue One Day?
Although the latest phase of the search has ended, Ocean Infinity said its commitment to locating MH370 remains.
“Although this phase of the search has concluded, our commitment has not. We’re continuing to work with the Malaysian Government in the hope of being able to return when circumstances allow,” Plunkett said.
AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen said, “Whilst we all want a conclusion and hoped this might be the search that finally answered the unknown for the families, I think deep down we knew it would be difficult. While we would love nothing more than to be proven wrong, it increasingly feels that this may be one tragedy that is never fully uncovered.”
Everyone at AirlineRatings.com sends our sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragedy, especially in light of this latest announcement.
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