Air crew on the only British airline that flies to Saudi Arabia have been told not to wear crucifixes or St Christopher medals on flights there so as not to offend the country`s Muslims. Stewardesses at BMI have also been told to cover themselves in the long abaya robes that Saudi women have to wear in public before they disembark in the capital Riyadh. In some instances, they are also advised to wear a headscarf. The airline insists that the rules are part of its ”obligation” to ”respect the customs” of Saudi Arabia, a strictly conservative Muslim kingdom. BMI is the only British carrier currently operating flights to Saudi. It began the service last September, offering three flights a week to Riyadh. Phil Shepherd, the airline`s spokesman, said any staff who did not wish to adhere to the requirements could transfer to short haul routes. There was no difference in salary, he added. Mr Shepherd also denied a report that up to 40 BMI staff had complained and were planning to take the company to an employment tribunal, insisting that only ”one or two” had raised it as an issue. ”There are certain sensitivities in operating in a country like Saudi Arabia,” he said. ”We worked closely with the Foreign Office in finding the best way to manage it and as far as we are aware there is not a major problem. The channels are there for staff to discuss any concerns they have with their managers.”