Malaysia Airlines limits check-in luggage on European flights for safety reasons

The airline is operating a long route to Europe, which, combined with “temporary unseasonably strong head winds”, limits its ability to carry luggage

Malaysia Airlines has received a lot of criticism for choosing to fly over the war-torn Syria (Getty Images)

Malaysia Airlines has told passengers it has imposed a temporary limitation on check-in luggage on flights to Europe starting from Tuesday evening until further notice for safety reasons.

The airline is currently operating a long route to Europe, which, combined with “temporary unseasonably strong head winds”, limits its ability to carry luggage in the cargo.

“This longer flight path consumes more jet fuel and for safety reasons, Malaysia Airlines has had to impose temporary limitation on checked in baggage allowance,” the airline said in a statement.

Economy class passengers will be able to take one piece of luggage of 7kg, while business and first class passengers can take two pieces weighing up to 14kg.

Earlier limitations applied to London but have since been lifted. Baggage limitations however, still apply for flights to Amsterdam and Paris.

The airline said it will continue to assess the evolution of the situation over the region and will update travellers when operations are back to normal.

“Safety remains the centre of the airline’s operations,” Malaysian airline said.

Flight tracking website Flightradar24 said an Airbus A380 operated by Malaysia Airlines has a flying range of roughly 8,200 miles (13,200 km) while a Boeing B772ER has a range of 8,900 miles (14,300 km), on its Twitter page.

In comparison the length of Malaysian flights from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam Schiphol with 6,400 miles (10,300km), Paris Charles de Gaulle with 6,600 miles (10,500km)and London Heathrow with 6,600 miles (10,600km) are well below that range, according to Flightradar.

On Christmas Day, a Malaysia flight to Kuala Lumpur appeared to be travelling in the wrong direction after taking off from New Zealand. An investigation has since been launched.