MH17: Singapore Airlines apologises for 'insensitive' Facebook posting

The company also admitted that it could have been more sensitive about the matter although it is aware the posting could have ticked off some quarters particularly on the social media.

"We recognise that the information could have been better communicated and we sincerely apologise if it had offended our customers and anyone else in the online community," said a SIA spokesperson to The Straits Times.

Following the devastating news about the MAS jetliner, SIA posted a Facebook message on its official page: "Customers may wish to note that Singapore Airlines flights are not using Ukraine airspace."

The status had sparked criticisms and drew brickbats from the public and Netizens who deemed it inappropriate.

Merely an hour later, SIA put up another posting, this time to say: "Our thoughts are with the passengers and crew of MH17 and their families."

Flight MH17, carrying 298 people - 283 passengers and 15 crew was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it went down in Ukraine. Fourty-three passengers including the 15 crew and two infants are Malaysians.

Ukrainian authorities believe that the Boeing 777 was shot down.