03 April 2016

Outrage as airline orders stewardesses to wear Islamic-style headscarf when flying to Iran

Air France has said female hostesses must cover their hair on flights to the Iranian capital Tehran.

The airline recently re-started flights to the fundamentalist nation after a thaw in relations with the West.

But outraged hostesses have criticised the airline, claiming they have a right to refuse to travel on the flights.

“It is not professional and they see it as an insult to their dignity.”

But the airline said staff must comply with Iranian laws.

While stewardesses usually have the choice between wearing a skirt or trousers on flights, Air France has ordered them to wear trousers and a long jacket for the three flights a week.

Flore Arrighi, head of air steward’s union UNAC, said: “It is not our role to pass judgement on the wearing of headscarves or veils in Iran. Now unions have written to the French women’s rights minister Laurence Rossignol for support.

She has previously criticised department store Marks and Spencer for selling the full-body "burkini" swimsuit. [Daily Express] Read more