AirAsia to allow female cabin crew to wear tudung if they wish from 2026

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia will allow female cabin crew members to wear the tudung while on duty "if they wish to do so" from 2026.

In a press release on Dec. 5, the airline said that the move follows an update to its uniform policy to reflect its "people-first culture" and "continuous evolution" based on feedback by employees and the public.

The update is set to take effect in the first quarter of 2026, with AirAsia planning to launch it in time for the Muslim month of Ramadan.

Crew come from "many backgrounds", currently wearing tudung to certain routes

According to AirAsia, the update expands on an existing practice for flights to destinations such as Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, where the tudung is required by local regulations.

With the new policy, that option will now be open to any female cabin crew member across the airline's network.

Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group Bo Lingam said that the decision represents the company's "growth" and "expansion" with a "diverse workforce" that "mirrors the communities and cultures it connects every day".

He added: "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."

The airline said the update aligns with its "people-first culture" for its employees, known internally as "Allstars".

Group Head of the Cabin Crew Department Suhaila Hassan noted that crew members come from "many backgrounds, cultures and beliefs".

She added that the airline will continue to gather feedback from its crew Allstars and "work closely with them on the detailed design and implementation before rolling this out" during Ramadan in 2026.

Signature red uniform remains unchanged

Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia parent company Capital A, confirmed that the decision emerged directly from discussions with cabin crew.

He said: "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."

AirAsia confirmed that its signature red uniform will remain unchanged.

The tudung option, along with a pants version of the uniform, will follow the same design currently used by crew on Jeddah services.

Top photos via AirAsia