Warning to Malaysia's AirAsia After Release of 'Happiest Iranian Flight' Video

A few days after the release of a video showing flight attendants and several passengers dancing on the Kuala Lumpur-Tehran flight operated by AirAsia, the spokesperson for Iran's aviation organization announced that they would address the issue and issue a warning to the company. Reza Jafarzadeh stated in an interview with Tasnim news agency on Friday, December 26, that 'a few days ago, this issue was put on the agenda, and we are taking necessary actions through the office of airport oversight, companies, and aviation institutions.' He emphasized that the Iranian aviation organization is 'seriously pursuing' this matter, will 'address' it, and will give 'necessary warnings' to AirAsia. Recently, a video titled 'Happiest Iranian Flight' was published on YouTube and social media, showing flight attendants and several passengers on the Kuala Lumpur-Tehran flight dancing together. AirAsia's first flight to Iran took place in August 2010, and the company operated multiple flights to Iran for a while but had to stop due to the expansion of sanctions. After four years, it resumed direct flights to Iran in July 2016. Iran requires foreign airlines to adhere to the country's 'Sharia laws.' In April, a directive from Air France regarding the necessity of hijab for female flight attendants on flights to Tehran made headlines. According to this directive, female flight attendants were asked to wear a headscarf when leaving the plane in Tehran and to wear loose-fitting trousers and jackets during the flight. After protests from the female crew members, Air France management ultimately announced that the presence of female flight attendants on flights to Tehran is optional, and those unwilling to fly to Tehran can replace their flight duty with another flight.