MH17 Tragedy: Malaysia Airlines Now Offering Full Refunds On All Flights

Malaysia Airlines is offering full refunds to all passengers who wish to change their future flights, the latest offer from the beleaguered airline in the wake of the flight MH17 tragedy.

On Thursday the flight was taken down by a surface-to-air missile while flying over Ukraine, leaving 298 passengers dead. Malaysia Airlines, already reeling from the still-unsolved disappearance of flight MH370, is now offering passengers who wish to change airlines the opportunity to do so for free.

In a message posted early on Saturday, the airline noted:

In light of the MH17 incident, Malaysia Airlines will be waiving any change fees for passengers who wish to make changes to their itinerary to any MH destinations.

Passengers who wish to postpone or cancel their travel plans can obtain a refund, including for non refundable tickets.

Our Enrich passengers will also receive fee waivers for any changes to their travel itinerary, as well as refunds of miles should they choose to cancel their redemption tickets.

These waivers are only applicable from 18 July 2014 until 24 July 2014, for travel between 18 July 2014 until 31 Dec 2014.

Passengers who wish to make changes to their travel plans may contact the nearest Malaysia Airlines ticketing office, or call our global Call Center at 1-300-88-3000.

Malaysia Airlines deeply regrets the loss of MH17, and is very much appreciative of the support from our passengers.

The offer from Malaysia Airlines comes as new details about the tragedy are emerging. The 298 victims came from across 11 countries and included a nun and teacher from Sydney, a Dutch senator, and an acclaimed AIDS researcher.

At the crash site itself, tensions have grown as the Ukrainian rebels believe to be responsible for firing the missile clashed with international teams of investigators who arrived to the wreckage. The two sides were locked in a standoff early on Friday as rebels denied these crew permission to the wreckage.

The rebels eventually allowed investigators to carry out a partial and superficial investigation, but they are now facing mounting worldwide pressure. President Obama has called for an immediate cease fire, and other world leaders are demanding that the group responsible be held accountable.

Malaysia Airlines meanwhile has vowed to cooperate fully with the investigation into the MH17 tragedy.