Families of Chinese MH370 Passengers Gather in Beijing, Demand Answers After 11 Years

Relatives of Chinese passengers lost on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 gathered in Beijing on the 11th anniversary of the plane’s disappearance, demanding answers from authorities about one of aviation’s greatest unsolved mysteries.

The Boeing 777, carrying 239 people, vanished from radar on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Despite an unprecedented global search, the aircraft has never been found.

The majority of the passengers were Chinese nationals, while others hailed from Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, and other countries.

In February, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that maritime exploration firm Ocean Infinity had resumed the search for the missing aircraft. However, many families said they were unaware of the latest developments.

“It was promised that we would be informed immediately, but we only find out about this kind of news online,” said Li Eryou, 68, who lost his 29-year-old son on the flight.

“Many families don’t even know how to access this information, so they remain completely unaware,” he told AFP before a meeting with officials from China’s transport and foreign ministries.

Jiang Hui, whose mother was on MH370, voiced similar frustration.

“When will the search begin? Where will it take place? How long will it last? What discoveries have been made? What theories led to this decision?” he asked reporters.

He hoped the renewed efforts would “bring an end to 11 years of suffering.”

The grieving families gathered outside the Malaysian embassy in Beijing, holding signs and chanting “Give us back our loved ones!”. Some placards read, “When will the 11 years of waiting and torment end?”

Security was tight, with at least 20 police officers blocking access to the area and warning journalists against taking photos of the demonstration.

The disappearance of MH370 has sparked numerous theories, ranging from pilot error and mechanical failure to sabotage. Some have speculated that Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah deliberately diverted the aircraft.

A final investigative report in 2018 pointed to failures in air traffic control and concluded that the plane’s course was manually altered.

Cheng Liping, whose husband was on board, urged China to push for more transparency from Malaysia.

“Everyone has been left trapped in pain. What exactly happened is still unknown,” she said.

As a mother of two, Cheng expressed hope for closure.

“If I could speak to him, I’d have so much to say,” she said tearfully.

“I just hope that wherever you are, you are healthy—and that we can reunite soon.”

Input from AFP.