Passengers' relatives asked to return home

Malaysia Airlines on Thursday advised relatives of passengers on missing flight MH370 to leave the hotels where they have been staying and receive updates "within the comfort of their own homes, with the support and care of their families and friends".

The company said that the investigation and the search for the plane - which has been missing for 55 days -would be a prolonged process.

The relatives have been receiving updates in hotels since the plane disappeared, but the company announced it would close all of the Family Assistance Centers around the world by May 7.