Checked Luggage Would Be 'Sent Later' In The Interest Of Safety

Passengers on Malaysia Airlines flights to Europe January 5 suddenly found themselves unable to check their baggage on their flights due to "strong headwinds" and safety concerns about flights over Egypt.

Normal service was restored by Wednesday.

ATW Online reports that the airline said in a statement that "In the interest of safety, Malaysia Airlines currently operates a long route to Europe via Egypt airspace, which combined with strong head winds, is delaying flights and limiting the airline’s baggage capacity. This longer flight path consumes more jet fuel and for safety reasons, Malaysia Airlines has had to impose a temporary limitation on checked-in baggage."

No other airline reported any issues with weight or fuel, and Malaysia was the only airline to impose any such restrictions. 

The restrictions were first lifted on the airline's flights to London, but remained in effect for flights to Amsterdam and Paris.

On Wednesday, the restrictions were lifted entirely. "All Malaysia Airlines’ flights from Kuala Lumpur to London, Paris and Amsterdam from tonight, 6 January 2016, will resume flying its normal route," the airline said in a statement posted to its website. "Normal baggage allowance has also been restored."

(Image from file)

FMI: www.malaysiaairlines.com