Days after the Lenskart dress code controversy, Air India found itself facing a similar backlash after excerpts from what was claimed to be the airline’s cabin crew handbook circulated online. The posts alleged that the guidelines prohibited employees from wearing symbols such as choora, mangalsutra, teeka and sindoor, triggering criticism online.
The controversy began after Air India’s internal grooming guidelines for cabin crew were shared online by X user Pranav Mahajan. Raising concerns, he wrote, It appears that this problem runs much deeper. Here are some pictures from the Air India Cabin Crew Handbook. Bindi, Sindoor, Tilak etc not allowed. “Why are they doing this so blatantly?”
It appears that this problem runs much deeper.
Here are some pictures from the Air India Cabin Crew Handbook. Bindi, Sindoor, Tilak etc not allowed.
Why are they doing this so blatantly?#SocietyFromStreet pic.twitter.com/uqVRbXBwwF
— Pranav Mahajan (@pranavmahajan) April 18, 2026
According to the document, “Tikka and sindoor of any colour on the forehead were not permitted”. The handbook also said a 5mm bindi could be worn optionally with the saree, but not with the IndoWestern uniform.
The handbook also outlines a range of items that are not permitted as part of the cabin crew grooming guidelines. These include accessories such as bracelets, bangles with stones and wearing a bangle. Traditional and religious elements like wedding choora, black threads, beads on wrists or ankles, mangalsutra, Sindoor, along with toe rings, anklets, and visible body markings such as mehndi, or coloured vermillion.
Air India Response
Addressing the issue, an Air India spokesperson, said that airline crew is allowed to wear bindis, and the document circulating online is from an “outdated manual.”
He further added, “Air India would like to clarify that its employees have the choice to wear bindi. The images being circulated online are from an older manual that is no longer in use.”
Also Read: Lenskart Faces Backlash Over Staff Grooming Guide As Peyush Bansal Clarifies Company Policy
The internet reaction was swift, with the post going viral and users arguing over cultural identity, religious expression and corporate grooming rules. Some commenters criticised the guidelines as restrictive, while others compared the issue to broader debates around workplace dress codes and uniform policies in India.
The handbook doesn’t mention the religious attire or markings of non-Hindus. If a Muslim woman staff is allowed to wear a Hijab or a Sikh man a turban, doesn’t that reveal their religious affiliation ? Who decided that a Bindi or Tilak or Mangalsutra is optional for Hindus ?
— Simple Indian 🇮🇳 (@SimpleIndian1) April 18, 2026
The whole country erupted in anger when Khulbhushan Jadhav’s wife was made to remove her bangles, Bindi & mangalsutra by pak authorities.
Here we have our country’s flag carrier airlines making their staff follow the same diktat. This must stop. Not in our country!— NL (@NLmantra) April 18, 2026
@airindia @PMOIndia @HMOIndia it’s a shame that corporates in India are shamelessly and without fear creating such biased HR policies. Why government is not taking actions against such unlawful policies?
— SJ (@sj_indianfirst) April 18, 2026
This seems issue with almost every corporate.
Can we request @mansukhmandviya @dpradhanbjp to issue an urgent notification that prohibits discrimination against Hindus in companies and universities.@SachdevaAmita can we file petition in court to protect Hindus 🙏🙏
— 0mNam0 (@0mNam0) April 18, 2026
Times when air india air hostess used to wear indian traditionals. pic.twitter.com/73CIgdNnB3
— sashaaaaaa (@ThRandomTalk) April 18, 2026
@ShefVaidya this looks like organized mafia to strip Hindus from they dignity of following their own religion. We are seeing similar statements from people working in Tech Mahindra , TCS , airIndia so on.. it’s organized in highest level
— ಇಂದು ಏನು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ (@Whatstoday_KA) April 19, 2026
