Virgin Atlantic Reviews 'Gender Neutral' Policy for New Saudi Route
Photo Caption: In 2022, Virgin Atlantic partnered with RuPaul's Drag Race star Michelle Visage to promote its diversity campaign. Virgin Atlantic
Skift Take
Throughout its 40-year history, Virgin Atlantic has made its name by shaking up the airline establishment. This move suggests that when cultural sensitivities are concerned, even a trailblazer can have its limits.
Virgin Atlantic is launching a major new route from Heathrow to Saudi Arabia next March and it is finding it needs to balance some of its policies to conform to local customs.
In recent years, the airline has been proactive in its diversity messaging. The airline’s Gender Identity Policy, published in 2022, allows cabin crew, pilots, and ground personnel to choose which uniform best represents them. This is irrespective of their gender, gender identity, or gender expression. At the time, Virgin said the move “cements its position as the most inclusive airline in the skies.”
However, Virgin Atlantic confirmed to Skift it is advising its crew on Saudi flights not to wear uniforms that do not reflect the gender shown on their passport.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “We carry out risk assessments of every destination we fly to, for the safety of our people. Following this risk assessment, to ensure the safety of our crew traveling to Saudi Arabia, we advise our crew should wea
