Air India will revise its cabin crew uniform maintenance policy for international layovers from 1 July 2026, introducing a self-managed approach for routine uniform care during overseas stays. According to sources familiar with the matter, the change is aimed at streamlining administrative processes while offering crew greater flexibility during layovers.
The revised policy applies only to international operations and does not affect domestic layover procedures.
Under the new guidelines, cabin crew will be responsible for the routine upkeep of their uniforms during international layovers. To support the transition, Air India will provide crew members with four sets of uniforms, while hotel rooms used during overseas layovers will be equipped with facilities such as irons and ironing boards.
Sources close to the development said the airline will continue to arrange laundry services directly in cases involving irregular operations, ensuring operational requirements are met when standard layover plans are disrupted.
Administrative change
According to sources familiar with the matter, the revised policy is intended to simplify the administration of outstation expenses while allowing cabin crew greater flexibility in managing routine layover requirements.
They added that the move reflects an administrative change rather than an operational one and is consistent with practices followed by several international airlines, many of which use allowance-based systems that place responsibility for routine uniform maintenance with crew members during overseas stays.
No impact on flight operations
Sources also clarified that the revised policy relates solely to layover administration and uniform care. It does not alter flight operations, crew duty schedules, mandatory rest periods, safety procedures, or regulatory requirements.
Industry observers note that airlines adopt different approaches to layover support depending on network structures, flying patterns, layover duration, destinations served, crew allowances, and the range of support services available at their home bases.
The revised policy will come into effect for Air India’s international cabin crew from 1 July 2026.
Rahul Bhadana is a digital editor at TravTalk with experience spanning multiple content niches, with a strong focus on travel trade journalism and digital publishing. A graduate of Delhi University, his work covers editorial writing, content strategy and platform-led storytelling, supporting TravTalk’s digital growth and industry engagement. A technology enthusiast, he enjoys films, poetry and exploring new ideas across media and culture.