Turkish Airlines Bans Red Lipstick And Nail Polish; European Airline Plans To Become Increasingly Conservative

Turkish Airlines is moving forward with its plans for a more conservative business model. Reuters reports that the European airline has banned its flight attendants from wearing red lipstick and nail polish, believing that removing the lipstick and nail polish will help attendants be able to better communicate with customers. Turkish Arlines said in a statement that they are banning the red colors because they want their flight attendants to look "artless and well-groomed with makeup in pastel tones."

CNN reports that the flight attendants for Turkish Airlines are unanimously unhappy with the red lipstick and nail polish ban, believing they are being forced to change that isn't offensive and doesn't affect their job. CNN reported that their displeasure came through on various social media sites, sparking several newspaper columns and protests amongst Turkish feminists.

"As a consequence of our current cabin uniforms not including red, dark pink, et cetera, the use of lipstick and nail polish in these colors by our cabin crew impairs visual integrity," said Turkish Airlines in a statement.

Earlier this year, Turkish Airlines posted pictures of an Ottoman-style uniform for women that sparked outrage for being far too conservative, even for airline standards.

Secular residents of Turkey expressed concern that Turkish Airlines, the fourth biggest airline in Europe, is reflecting a country that is becoming increasingly more Islamic. The move follows previous announcments made by Turkish Airlines that restrict alcohol service to business class on some domestic routes and eliminate it on routes to eight conservative Middle East nations.

"This new guideline is totally down to Turkish Airlines management's desire to shape the company to fit its own political and ideological stance," said Atilay Aycin, president of Turkish Airlines' Hava-Is labour union. "No one can deny that Turkey has become a more conservative, religious country."