AirAsia made a major change to its cabin crew uniform policy on 5 December, 2025. From now on, female crew members will be able to wear the hijab on all routes if they wish. Previously, this permission was limited to a few specific routes, including Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The company said that this step was taken based on employee opinions and public feedback. It also aims to advance the company’s ‘people-first‘ culture.
The Main Purpose of the Policy
AirAsia said that the new policy actually reinforces its long-standing concept of diversity and inclusion. It wants every All-Star to feel confident in their identity. Previously, hijab was mandatory on routes like Jeddah due to local regulations.
But now this facility has been opened up to all-female crews. This will ensure a uniform consistency across the network while maintaining the same standards.
Management Response
Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, said that the change reflects the company’s global expansion and diverse work environment. He said professionalism and safety are the core features of their uniform, and this new version will further strengthen that foundation. Their main goal is to ensure that cabin crew can live in a work environment that is consistent with their beliefs.
Meanwhile, Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes also said that the opinions of employees are the biggest motivation for their decision. He believes that respecting different opinions has led the company to the path of success.
Response from the Ministry of Religious Affairs
Malaysian Minister of Religious Affairs Datuk Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar described the decision as “mature and commendable”. He believed that AirAsia had set a positive example by respecting the religious obligations of its employees.
He also expressed gratitude to the parties who worked to implement the initiative. The minister said that other companies can also be inspired by this decision. He expressed his hope that the policy can be fully implemented in the first quarter of 2026.
Social Media Reactions
After the announcement was made, thousands of people started reacting to the videos and posts. Some said the decision was timely and a reflection of respect for employees.
Others felt that the fabric or design of the hijab could be improved to make it more attractive. On the other hand, many found the polka dot design stylish and modern.
Overall, netizens felt that AirAsia’s move was sending a positive message to the entire industry.
The changed uniform policy shows that AirAsia wants to prioritize not only its business goals but also the personal identity, trust and comfort of its employees. Many experts believe that this effort to improve service quality while maintaining diversity could also be a blueprint for future airline policies.
Watch the video here.
@flyairasia Inclusivity never goes out of style. The hijab option will soon be part of our crew uniform.
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