Viral excerpts of grooming policies have sparked questions on cultural expression, but industry voices say uniformity and operational readiness—not identity—drive airline norms
A controversy around grooming and uniform policies in the aviation sector has sparked debate, with Air India at the centre after sections of its cabin crew manual surfaced online. The documents, which reportedly restricted visible sindoor, mangalsutra, and certain accessories, drew criticism on social media, with many questioning whether airlines are limiting cultural expression.
Similar scrutiny has extended to other carriers, including Akasa Air and SpiceJet, where comparable grooming norms are understood to be in place, suggesting that the issue reflects a broader industry approach rather than a single-company policy.
Airline statements and industry experts, however, indicate that the matter may be less about culture and more about global aviation standards, safety protocols, and uniformity requirements.
In aviation, cabin crew are not only service professionals but also trained safety personnel responsible for handling emergencies such as evacuations, onboard fires, and medical situations. Industry sources note that grooming norms are guided by the need to ensure that nothing interferes with a crew member’s ability to respond quickly and effectively. Accessories or adornments—regardless of whether they are cultural, religious, or purely aesthetic—can pose practical risks, including getting entangled during evacuation procedures, hindering movement in narrow aircraft aisles, or becoming hazards during turbulence or fire-related incidents.
Such policies are not unique to India. Global carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines follow similarly detailed grooming standards aimed at ensuring consistency, safety, and a professional onboard environment.
23/04/2026 Sreelekha Venugopal/News24
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