Qantas proposes beard ban for pilots over safety concerns
Australian airline faces backlash over proposed grooming policy
- Qantas is considering extending its ban on beards to all pilots, citing safety concerns regarding the effectiveness of oxygen masks in emergencies.
- The proposed policy is based on a study by British defence company QinetiQ, which indicated that beards could interfere with the seal of oxygen masks.
- The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) has opposed the ban, saying it is based on "obsolete science" and highlighting that other major airlines and the Royal Australian Air Force permit tidy beards.
- Conversely, a 2024 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University study found no evidence that facial hair caused mask leaks or compromised performance.
- Beards are already banned for pilots operating Qantas and Jetstar mainline services.