[UPDATED] Malaysia Airlines Suspends Checked Luggage to Some European Destinations

Update 1/6/2016, 8:16 a.m.: These restrictions have been lifted.

Anyone flying Malaysia Airlines, pack light; the company currently has a temporary suspension on checked bags to Europe.

As of January 5, passengers flying Malaysia Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Europe are restricted to just carry-on luggage. The company has issued a temporary suspension on checked baggage due to wind and safety concerns.

“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,” the airline said in a statement, reported by Air Transport World. “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.”

As of right now, passengers who need to check bags can still do so, but they won’t be put on a plane to meet passengers until “the situation permits.” The restriction was initially issued for all London, Paris and Amsterdam flights, but London flights have resumed their normal baggage processes. No indication was given by the airline as to why London flights are no longer a concern.

Malaysia Airlines is currently the only airline to issue this kind of restriction — all other airlines in Europe and Asia have not reported any of the issues Malaysia Airlines reports as facing. Under the current restricted policy, economy passengers are only allowed one 7-kilogram piece of hand luggage. Business class and first class are allowed two 7-kilogram pieces.

The airline currently has no timeframe for removing the ban, but will, according to Air Transport World, “continue to assess the changing situation over the region and update passengers when operations are back to normal.”

[Photo: Malaysia Airlines]