Malaysia Airlines bans check-in baggage to Paris, Amsterdam for 2 days, citing headwinds

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia Airlines has barred passengers from checking in baggage on flights to Paris and Amsterdam for two days due to "unseasonably strong headwinds" on a longer flight path it is taking.

The move affecting Tuesday and Wednesday flights has baffled passengers, who slammed the airline on social media.

The airline says it operates a long route to Europe via Egyptian airspace for safety reasons. It says the longer flight path consumes more fuel and this, "combined with "temporary unseasonably strong headwinds, is limiting the airlines' ability to carry baggage in cargo."

It said on its Facebook page that passengers on economy class can only carry a cabin bag up to 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) while those in business and first class are allowed two pieces totaling 14 kilograms (30.8 pounds).