Safety vs. solidarity | Virgin Atlantic's inclusive uniforms ban for Qatar flight was unenviable

Virgin Atlantic’s decision to suspend its gender-neutral uniforms on a flight taking England’s World Cup squad to Qatar has sparked a debate about the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The airline flew the England men’s football team to the World Cup host nation this week, reportedly on board a plane specifically named Rain Bow as a symbol of LGBT+ pride.

On first appearance, this was not an unfamiliar move for Virgin Atlantic. The company had announced in September that its crew, pilots and ground team could choose which of its iconic uniforms (previously red suits & skirts for females and burgundy suits for males) best represents them – no matter their gender, gender identity, or gender expression. The announcement was part of an on-going drive to champion the individuality of its people and customers and is complemented by the roll out of optional pronoun badges for all its people.

However, crew on board the plane transporting the Three Lions did not partake in this gender-neutral uniform policy, after bosses cited safety concerns. Homosexuality is illegal under Qatari law, and there have been concerns about the potential country's treatment of LGBTQ+ tourists attending the tournament.