Qatar Airways is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading luxury airlines, known not only for its exceptional service and modern fleet but also for the exceptionally high standards it demands from its cabin crew. Behind the airline’s polished image lies a comprehensive set of strict rules and regulations that govern every aspect of cabin crew members’ professional appearance, behavior, and lifestyle.

These rigorous policies, some of the most stringent in the aviation industry, are designed to maintain the airline’s prestigious reputation and ensure a consistently flawless experience for passengers around the globe.

Strict Grooming and Appearance Guidelines

Qatar Airways enforces highly detailed grooming standards to uphold its reputation as a premium airline. Female cabin crew are required to wear full-coverage foundation and concealer, matte blush without shimmer, and lipstick or nail polish in specific shades such as deep pink, red, or burgundy to align with the company’s brand image.

Skincare is emphasized, with crew trained to use long-lasting, durable makeup products to maintain a flawless look during long-haul flights. Male crew members must be clean-shaven, with neatly trimmed mustaches above the lip line; beards and visible gray hair are prohibited, and bald spots must be concealed.

Hair Styling Requirements

Female crew members must style their hair in low buns secured with hairnets and scrunchies, and only natural hair colors are permitted. Male crew are expected to maintain a neat hairstyle using grooming products like wax or clay, avoiding any greasy or overly styled looks.

Uniform Regulations

The airline maintains strict uniform policies:

• Crew must carry spare uniforms on every flight to address any unexpected incidents.

• Jewelry is limited to simple stud earrings and wedding rings with embedded stones for safety reasons; men are generally limited to wearing watches.

• Female crew must wear matte, skin-tone-matched stockings.

• Only mild fragrances are allowed to prevent discomfort to passengers.

Lifestyle and Conduct Rules

• Crew members live in company-provided accommodation monitored by electronic keycards and subject to unannounced checks.

• The pre-flight curfew has recently been shortened from 12 to 9 hours, with a 90-minute allowance for leaving the accommodation during this time.

• Sharing photos in uniform or depicting alcohol or cigarettes on social media is strictly forbidden.

• Visitors of the opposite sex were traditionally restricted to visiting hours between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., with mandatory registration.

• Alcohol, tobacco, and pork products are banned in crew living quarters.

Recent Policy Adjustments

Qatar Airways has relaxed certain rules in recent times:

• Overnight curfews on days off have been lifted, allowing greater personal freedom.

• Pregnant cabin crew can now transition to ground-based roles instead of being forced to resign.

• The requirement to obtain CEO approval for marriage after five years of service has been simplified.

Recruitment and Benefits

The airline is highly selective, accepting only about 6–8% of applicants. Candidates must meet physical requirements such as a minimum arm reach of 212 cm, be fluent in English, and relocate to Doha. Benefits include company-provided housing, international medical insurance, and discounted travel opportunities worldwide.

Operational Procedures

During flights, crew adjust their uniforms according to service phases: wearing blazers during boarding and switching to blue “dining jackets” during meal service. Female crew carry secure handbags containing makeup kits and manuals, all protected by passcodes.

Cultural Distinctions

Unlike many Western airlines that have relaxed uniform and grooming policies, Qatar Airways maintains traditional, highly polished standards to reinforce its five-star luxury image. Every detail, from nail polish color to sock styles, is carefully regulated to ensure a consistent and upscale passenger experience.

Compensation and Discipline

Starting salaries for new cabin crew are approximately QR 3,300 (around $900), rising to QR 3,750 after six months, with additional hourly allowances for flight time. The airline enforces strict discipline: arriving even five minutes late to accommodation curfews can lead to warnings, and repeated infractions may result in termination.

Training and Compliance Checks

New recruits receive intensive training led by grooming officers, covering makeup application, hairstyling, and uniform standards. Pre-flight inspections ensure all crew meet the airline’s exacting appearance and conduct requirements.

By balancing these rigorous standards with recent reforms, Qatar Airways continues to ensure its cabin crew embody the elegance, professionalism, and precision that define its global reputation as a leader in luxury air travel.

İGA Istanbul Airport achieved a historic milestone on April 17, 2025, becoming the first airport in Europe to fully operationalize Triple Independent Parallel Runway Operations (TRO), allowing three aircraft to take off or land simultaneously across dedicated runways.

The landmark launch, overseen by Türkiye’s Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, showcased three Turkish Airlines flights departing in unison: an Airbus A321neo (TC-LSP) bound for Kayseri, an A350-900 (TC-LGU) en route to Amsterdam, and a Boeing 777F freighter (TC-LJL) headed to Almaty.

This innovation boosts the airport’s hourly flight capacity by 23%—from 120 to 148 movements—streamlining operations, minimizing delays, and reducing environmental impact through optimized air traffic management.

Cutting-Edge Infrastructure and Safety Protocols

The system, developed with 1,035-meter lateral spacing between runways (exceeding international standards), integrates advanced radar technology, AI-driven predictive analytics, and Airport Collaborative Decision-Making (A-CDM) platforms to ensure seamless coordination.

Automated tools monitor real-time flight paths, prevent runway conflicts, and allocate slots efficiently, while enhanced navigation systems guarantee precise aircraft separation. Over 500 air traffic controllers completed 4,500 hours of rigorous training using state-of-the-art simulators to master complex traffic scenarios, ensuring flawless implementation.

Collaborative Milestone for Global Connectivity

Initiated in late 2022, the project involved Türkiye’s General Directorate of State Airports Authority (DHMI), Civil Aviation Authority (SHGM), Turkish Airlines, and Eurocontrol, with airspace redesigns adhering to strict safety protocols. Istanbul Airport, which managed 80 million passengers and 517,284 flights in 2024, now connects 321 global destinations via 110 airlines.

The upgrade aligns with its long-term vision to serve 200 million annual passengers, solidifying its status as a critical nexus between Europe, Asia, and Africa for both passenger and cargo traffic.

Sustainability and Global Leadership

By reducing aircraft idle times and fuel consumption, the TRO system advances Türkiye’s sustainability goals, curbing emissions in line with global climate targets. Istanbul joins elite airports like Atlanta and Dallas Fort Worth in operating triple-runway systems, but stands apart in Europe for its fully independent operations—surpassing Amsterdam Schiphol’s segregated model.

Mehmet Kalyoncu, İGA Board Member, hailed the achievement as a “transformative leap” in aviation technology, positioning Türkiye as a pioneer in next-generation air traffic solutions and reinforcing Istanbul’s role in shaping the future of global aviation networks.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has published its February 2025 performance report, providing a detailed evaluation of Saudi Arabia's domestic and international airports. The report categorizes airports into five groups based on passenger traffic and assesses their compliance with 11 key performance indicators, including passenger wait times, baggage claim efficiency, passport control, customs clearance, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This initiative aligns with GACA's strategic goals to enhance service quality and improve the overall passenger experience.

In the category of international airports handling more than 15 million passengers annually, Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport ranked first with an 82% compliance rate, outperforming Jeddah's King Abdulaziz International Airport, which achieved the same rate but fell short in specific evaluation criteria.

For airports managing 5 to 15 million passengers annually, Dammam's King Fahd International Airport led with a 91% compliance rate, followed by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah at 82%. Among airports serving 2 to 5 million passengers annually, Jizan's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Airport secured the top spot with a perfect 100% compliance rate, narrowly surpassing Abha International Airport, which also achieved 100% but ranked lower on additional metrics.

In the category of international airports handling fewer than 2 million passengers annually, Arar International Airport excelled with a 100% compliance rate, particularly for reduced wait times during arrivals and departures.

For domestic airports, Al-Qurrayat Airport emerged as the leader with a flawless compliance score of 100%, excelling in minimizing passenger wait times. The report also highlighted that most Saudi airports achieved a 100% resolution rate for passenger complaints filed in February. Among airlines, Flynas recorded the fewest complaints—10 per 100,000 passengers—while maintaining a perfect resolution rate.

GACA's comprehensive evaluation underscores its commitment to adopting global best practices and fostering continuous improvement in aviation services across the Kingdom.

In a remarkable gesture of support for early education, Emirates has made a significant donation to SOS Children’s Villages in Lahore, Pakistan. The airline has gifted 107 special edition 'Aircrafted KIDS by Emirates' backpacks, each uniquely crafted from upcycled materials sourced from Emirates' iconic A380 and B777 aircraft.

This initiative not only underscores Emirates' commitment to sustainability but also highlights its dedication to fostering meaningful connections with the communities it serves. The backpacks are filled with essential educational supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils, and books, along with hygiene items, ensuring that each child receives the tools they need to excel in their studies.

The choice of SOS Children’s Villages as the recipient of this donation reflects Emirates' admiration for the organization's tireless efforts in providing a nurturing environment for financially disadvantaged children. With 17 branches across Pakistan, SOS Children’s Villages has been instrumental in supporting vulnerable youths, offering them a stable home and access to quality education.

Emirates' contribution aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 4, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. By supporting SOS Children’s Villages, Emirates is contributing to Pakistan's broader efforts to enhance its education system, ensuring equal opportunities for children nationwide.

The donation was warmly received by SOS Children’s Villages, with the National Director, Saba Faisal, expressing heartfelt gratitude for Emirates' generosity. She noted that the initiative has not only provided children with essential educational resources but also given them a sense of pride and connection to a global brand like Emirates.

The backpacks were carefully curated to cater to children of all ages, ensuring that each student receives the resources they need to succeed academically. Emirates' Vice President for Pakistan, Mohammed Alhashmi, highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing its dual role in promoting sustainability and connecting children in Pakistan with a piece of Emirates' aviation history.

This collaboration between Emirates and SOS Children’s Villages is a testament to the airline's commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of underprivileged children. By supporting education, Emirates is fostering a brighter future for these young individuals, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to pursue their dreams.

The initiative also underscores Emirates' broader mission to "connect communities," not just through its extensive network of flights but also through meaningful engagements that leave a lasting impact in the regions it serves. As Emirates continues to expand its outreach programs, it remains dedicated to creating positive change and supporting the development of future generations.

Air Canada has been recognized as one of Montreal's top employers for the 12th consecutive year, a testament to its commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. This prestigious recognition is part of the Montréal's Top Employers Awards, which highlights the airline's dedication to its employees and its continuous efforts to create a welcoming workplace.

With over 10,000 employees based at its Montreal headquarters, Air Canada plays a significant role in Montreal's economic landscape. The airline operates more than 1,100 weekly flights from its Montreal-Trudeau global hub, connecting Montreal to over 110 destinations across Canada and internationally.

This not only underscores the airline's economic contribution but also its role as Canada's largest private sector company offering bilingual services, promoting bilingualism nationwide.

Air Canada's recognition is attributed to its comprehensive human resource practices, including employee health and well-being programs and comprehensive training initiatives. The airline invests heavily in these programs, ensuring they support a multi-generational workforce and help employees grow professionally and personally.

Additionally, Air Canada has been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for 2025, marking the seventh time in ten years it has received this honor.

This reflects its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that supports diverse communities. Furthermore, for the second consecutive year, Air Canada has been recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People, demonstrating its focus on providing opportunities for young professionals to develop and grow within the company.

The airline offers a range of benefits to its employees, including health and insurance benefits, retirement and financial benefits, travel benefits, and paid holidays and sick leave. Employees enjoy discounts on tickets and other travel perks, though specific details vary based on position and tenure.

These comprehensive benefits contribute to a balanced work-life environment, making Air Canada an attractive employer for those seeking a fulfilling career. Overall, Air Canada's commitment to its employees and its role in Montreal's economy make it a leader in the aviation industry, both locally and nationally.

Etihad Airways has recently expanded its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Sri Lanka, demonstrating its commitment to creating positive change beyond its core aviation business. These efforts, launched in March 2025, focus on three key pillars: humanitarian aid, education, and community empowerment.

In Colombo, Etihad made significant contributions to St. Joseph's Orphanage, a refuge for abandoned children. The airline unveiled new facilities including new dormitories, a kitchen, and a canteen, which are set to enhance the living conditions for 500 children residing at the orphanage.

Additionally, Etihad provided essential items such as school supplies, blankets, clothing, and amenity bags, ensuring that the children have access to necessary resources for their health, education, and overall well-being.

In Kandy, Etihad supported Hendeniya School, a facility for orphaned children, by renovating classrooms and establishing a dedicated IT section to promote digital literacy. These upgrades are expected to significantly impact both students and educators, enhancing the learning environment and providing more educational opportunities for future generations.

Future plans include constructing a library and nursery to further enhance educational opportunities. Furthermore, Etihad assisted Hendeniya Mosque in Kandy with vital infrastructure improvements, including an expanded prayer area accommodating over 500 worshippers, a new women's section, and a state-of-the-art Arabic studies learning center. These additions allow the mosque to better serve its growing community.

Etihad's initiatives in Sri Lanka involved employees from various departments, including airport services, network operations, e-commerce, financial reporting, operations, guest experience, and procurement. This cross-departmental collaboration exemplifies Etihad's core value of unity for a common cause.

These efforts are part of Etihad's broader global commitment to social responsibility. In 2024, the airline's community and volunteer programs reached over 290,000 beneficiaries worldwide. The initiatives align with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, extending Etihad's positive impact beyond the UAE to communities across its global network.

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, emphasized the airline's commitment to unity and community, stating that these efforts reflect Etihad's ongoing dedication to bringing people together for a shared purpose and fostering collaboration to create lasting impact wherever they operate.