MH17: Families arrive at Schiphol Aiport

Relatives of those who perished in the MH17 disaster have begun to gather at airports in Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur. 154 Dutch nationals have been confirmed to be on board when the plane was shot down over territory held by Pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine.

In scenes reminiscent of the Malaysia Airlines MH370 disaster four months ago, sobbing relatives of passengers travelling on Malaysia Airlines flight have gathered at airports in Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur.

The upper floor of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport was closed off reserved for family and relatives of passengers on flight MH17. In a statement, Malaysian Airlines have stated their intention to provide a "Go Team" of more then 100 caregivers and volunteers.

TIME has reported that families were tearful and clung to each other:

"Most looked shell-shocked, staring blankly ahead as the buses pulled out, seemingly unable to process news of a tragedy apparently caused by a conflict so far away. Dutch reporters who arrived at the scene early said there were scenes of confusion when the first relatives arrived, unsure of where to go and asking passers-by for help."

Among those feared dead is a Dutch man who posted a photo on Facebook of the plane on the tarmac just hours before the crash.

The man who is listed as living in Volendam in North Holland, uploaded the picture of the aircraft with the caption: ‘If it disappears, this is what it looks like.’

Initially, friends commented on the photo wishing him happy holidays. But their messages turned to ones of concern once news of the crash broke.

Many people have been reported to have gathered on Thursday night at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Keiv. Mourners have left candle lit messages, signs and remained to pay their respects.

For those relatives who wish to travel closer to the site of the tragedy, a flight will be provided to Kiev, possibly departing tomorrow. A full passenger list of those who were travelling on the plane has not been published.