The rollout, planned for the first quarter of 2026 during Ramadan, is a step in ensuring every Allstar feels comfortable and confident representing AirAsia wherever they fly
December 5, 2025 -- AirAsia has announced an update in its cabin crew uniform policy, which allows female crew members to wear the hijab while on duty if they wish to do so.
This is in line with AirAsia’s people-first culture and continuous evolution shaped by employee and public feedback. AirAsia prides itself in creating a workplace where every Allstar feels confident, comfortable, and proud to represent the airline wherever they fly.
Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group said, “I am proud that this latest update reflects AirAsia’s growth and expansion as a global airline with a diverse workforce that mirrors the communities and cultures we connect every day. Our uniforms have always reflected professionalism, safety and comfort, and this evolution builds on that foundation by giving our people the confidence to represent AirAsia in ways that align with their beliefs.”
In brief
AirAsia says it will allow female cabin crew to wear a hijab while on duty if they choose. The policy change is planned for rollout in the first quarter of 2026, with the company hoping to begin during Ramadan. AirAsia says the option will extend flexibility already used on selected routes, including Jeddah, across its network. The airline’s red uniform will remain in place, with a tailored hijab and pants option based on the design worn by crew on Jeddah routes. The company says it will continue seeking employee feedback and work with crew on design and implementation details before launch. Executives described the change as reflecting the airline’s diverse workforce and its response to staff feedback.
Key takeaways
- AirAsia plans to introduce an optional hijab for female cabin crew in the first quarter of 2026.
- The company hopes to begin the rollout during Ramadan.
- The option will extend beyond selected routes, including Jeddah, where hijabs are used under local regulations.
- AirAsia says its red cabin crew uniform will remain, with a tailored hijab and pants option.
AirAsia’s cabin crew have used the hijab as part of operations on select routes, such as Jeddah, where it is required by local regulations. The latest update extends this flexibility to all female cabin crew members who choose to wear it, ensuring consistency across the airline’s network while upholding AirAsia’s professional and distinctive brand identity.
Suhaila Hassan, Group Head of Cabin Crew Department said, “Our Allstars come from many backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, yet we are united by a shared commitment to deliver world-class service and care to our guests, as evidenced by our winning of major airline awards every year. This latest policy reflects that diverse and dynamic spirit that defines AirAsia. We will continue gathering feedback from our Allstars and work closely with them on the detailed design and implementation before rolling this out. We hope to start during Ramadan in 2026.”
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, said, “One of the greatest strengths of AirAsia has always been our diverse and outspoken Allstars. When our cabin crew raised this with management, it was important for us to listen. Respecting different views and beliefs is not only part of our culture but what has shaped our success over the years. This is how we grow: by evolving together, guided by the voices of our people.”
AirAsia’s iconic red cabin crew uniform will remain unchanged, with the professionally tailored hijab and pants option extending the same design currently worn by crew operating on Jeddah routes. This ensures comfort, safety, and brand consistency across the network.
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Questions around this news
When is the updated cabin crew uniform policy expected to begin?
The airline hopes to begin introducing the policy during Ramadan in 2026, within a rollout planned for the first quarter of that year. The release says the detailed design and implementation will be developed with cabin crew feedback before the change is introduced.
Who will be able to wear the hijab under the updated policy?
The policy will allow female cabin crew members to wear a hijab while on duty if they choose. Previously, the release says, crew wore the hijab during operations on certain routes, including Jeddah, where local regulations require it. The update extends the option across the airline’s network.
Will the cabin crew uniform design change?
The red cabin crew uniform is expected to remain unchanged. The release says the hijab and pants option will extend the design already worn by crew on Jeddah routes, with the stated aims of maintaining comfort, safety and consistency in the airline’s appearance across its network.
What is a hijab, and why might someone wear one?
A hijab is a head covering worn by some Muslim women, often as an expression of faith, modesty or personal identity. Styles and practices vary, and not all Muslim women wear one. In a workplace uniform, a hijab may be designed to fit required duties and safety standards.
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