AirAsia has announced a landmark update to its cabin crew uniform policy allowing all female staff members to wear the hijab while on duty starting in early 2026, marking a significant shift toward greater workplace inclusivity for the Malaysian budget carrier.
Group CEO Bo Lingam stated on December 5 that this evolution reflects the airline's growth as a global carrier with a diverse workforce mirroring the communities and cultures it connects daily, with the professionally tailored hijab and pants option extending the same design currently worn by crew operating on Jeddah routes where local regulations previously mandated such attire.
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes emphasized that when cabin crew raised this matter with management it was crucial to listen, noting that respecting different views and beliefs has shaped the company's success, with nearly 40% of AirAsia's female Muslim crew from both AirAsia Malaysia and AirAsia X expressing interest in adopting the hijab option.
Group Head of Cabin Crew Suhaila Hassan confirmed the airline will continue gathering feedback from employees while working on detailed design and implementation before rolling out the policy during Ramadan 2026, ensuring the update maintains comfort, safety, and brand consistency across AirAsia's entire network.
Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man welcomed the decision as a benchmark for other airlines, describing it as reflecting not only religious requirements but also the reality that over 60% of Malaysia's population is Muslim, while noting that inclusive policies respecting employees' religious and cultural needs have proven to increase motivation, job satisfaction, and corporate image in modern economies.
