After headscarf rule, Air France says female crew can opt out of Iran trips

Flight attendants serve drinks onboard an Air France flight.
Flight attendants serve drinks onboard an Air France flight.
Image: Etienne DE MALGLAIVE / Gamma-Rapho / Getty Images

After a meeting with airline unions on Monday afternoon, Air France announced that it will allow female flight crew to opt out of flights to Tehran.

Because of Iranian law, female flight crew would be forced to wear a headscarf upon landing in Tehran.

If a female flight attendant or pilot is assigned to the Paris-Tehran route, they will be allowed to switch flights, according to the airline.

Iranian law requires that all women must cover their hair in public places. The law is obeyed "by all international airlines serving the Republic of Iran" and does not apply during the flight, Air France said in a statement.

"Tolerance and respect for the cultures and customs in the countries served by the airline are part of the fundamental values of Air France and its staff," the airline said.

The headscarf rule applied when the route was active from 1946 to 2008, and is still active on the airline's flights to Saudi Arabia.

France has a complicated history with headscarves. In 2010, the country banned full face veilslike burqas and niqābs, in public and in 2004, the country enacted a law banning the open wearing of religious symbols in public schools.

The airline said that it is making the Tehran flights voluntary in order to respect "the personal values of each Air France female crew member."

UNAC, one of the unions representing Air France flight crew, released a statement, saying "While we regret not having been heard earlier, we are delighted to have convinced [Air France human resources director] Mr. Gateau of the legitimacy of our action."

Flight service to Tehran will resume on April 17 after an eight-year hiatus. It will operate three times a week.
