Search for MH370 suspended after almost three years

The search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 appears over with officials confirming the hunt for the aircraft is suspended.

In a joint statement from Australia, Malaysia and China, the last vessel has been removed from the search area after an unsuccessful 120,000sq/km search in the southern Indian Ocean.

"Despite every effort using the best science available, cutting edge technology, as well as modelling and advice from highly skilled professionals who are the best in their field, unfortunately, the search has not been able to locate the aircraft," the joint statement read.

"Accordingly, the underwater search for MH370 has been suspended."

The officials said the decision to suspend the search was not one that was taken lightly.

MH370 disappeared from the radar while on route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014 with 239 people on board.

"Whilst combined scientific studies have continued to refine areas of probability, to date no new information has been discovered to determine the specific location of the aircraft," the statement said.

The officials said the three countries remained hopeful new information would come to light, leading to the aircraft's location.