The claims are related to the deceased’s age and earnings, with most around $1 million. Claimants from other nations have also emerged, as action has to be taken within the two-year time limit.

The hunt for the missing airliner is due to conclude in July and is concentrated on the southern Indian Ocean, although some relatives remain convinced that the flight was diverted and that their loved ones are still alive.

Australian authorities are carrying out the search, which centres on the theory that no one was in control of the airliner when it ran out of fuel and crashed into the sea.

The man heading the search, Martin Dolan, said it was “very likely” that the aircraft will be found in the next four months. He told The Guardian: “We’ve still got some serious area to cover, including some areas in the assessment that are highly prospective for finding the aircraft, and the aircraft’s very likely there.”