Flydubai Cabin Crew: Requirements & Application Guide
Dubai's fast-growing low-cost carrier, owned by the same Government of Dubai behind Emirates. A realistic path to Dubai-based aviation with tax-free pay, provided accommodation, and genuine career potential.
Flydubai is Dubai's low-cost carrier with over 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It offers tax-free salary, provided accommodation, and serves as a stepping stone to Emirates. Less competitive than Emirates but still selective.
- AED 7,000-9,000/month total (tax-free)
- Height: 160cm (women), 170cm (men), 212cm arm reach
- 8-week training on Boeing 737 MAX fleet
- Same owner as Emirates, strong pathway to upgrade
Requirements overview
Flydubai's requirements are similar to Emirates but with a higher minimum height for men. Make sure you meet every criterion before applying.
At the time of joining
Minimum without shoes
Minimum without shoes
To access overhead bins safely
Minimum qualification required
Written and spoken proficiency
Must not be visible in uniform
Must pass medical examination
Not sure if you qualify?
Upload your CV and Glowings will analyze it against Flydubai-specific criteria. Know exactly where you stand before you apply.
The Flydubai recruitment journey
Flydubai's recruitment is streamlined compared to Emirates but still thorough. Assessment days are held in Dubai and at global recruitment events throughout the year.
Online Application
Submit your application through the Flydubai careers portal. Upload a professional CV and a recent full-length photograph. Flydubai screens applications against basic requirements including age, height, education, and language proficiency. Applications that do not meet the minimum criteria are filtered out before any human review.
Keep your CV to one page. Highlight customer service and hospitality experience prominently. Flydubai receives thousands of applications, so clarity and relevance matter more than length.
Video Screening
Selected applicants are invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview. You will answer a series of questions on camera, typically with 30 seconds of preparation time and 1-2 minutes to respond. This stage assesses your English communication skills, on-camera confidence, and overall presentation.
Practice answering questions on camera until it feels natural. Good lighting, a clean background, and direct eye contact with the lens make a significant difference. Dress professionally even though you are at home.
Assessment Day
Flydubai conducts assessment days in Dubai and at recruitment events worldwide. The day includes a height and arm reach check, group discussion exercises, role-play scenarios, and short individual interactions with recruiters. Assessment days run for several hours, and candidates are progressively eliminated throughout.
Be warm, engaged, and supportive of other candidates during group exercises. Recruiters are watching how you collaborate, not how you compete. Arrive in professional business attire with neat grooming.
Final Interview
Candidates who pass the assessment day are invited to a one-on-one or panel interview with senior recruiters. Expect competency-based questions about your previous experience, how you handle difficult situations, and why you want to work for Flydubai specifically. This is where your preparation shows.
Prepare STAR-method answers for common scenarios: dealing with a difficult passenger, working in a diverse team, handling stress, and going above and beyond for a customer. Know why Flydubai, not just why cabin crew.
Medical Examination
A comprehensive medical assessment ensures you are fit for the physical demands of cabin crew work. This includes vision and hearing tests, blood work, general health review, and a fitness assessment. Flydubai has strict medical standards in line with UAE aviation authority requirements.
Maintain good health habits well before your application. If you have concerns about vision, hearing, or any medical conditions, address them early. Honesty on your medical forms is essential.
Glo will run you through Flydubai interview scenarios for every stage
Salary & benefits
Flydubai offers a competitive tax-free package with accommodation included. While lower than Emirates, the overall value is strong for the region.
Includes base salary, flying pay, and layover allowances. All tax-free under UAE law.
Shared furnished apartments in Dubai. Transport assistance to and from work. A significant saving in an expensive city.
Staff travel benefits on Flydubai and partner airlines. Medical insurance, annual leave, and end-of-service gratuity.
Key insight: While the headline salary is lower than Emirates, the gap narrows when you factor in that both provide free accommodation. Flydubai crew keep a higher percentage of their total package as disposable income because of fewer premium uniform and grooming costs.
8-week training
Flydubai provides comprehensive training at their facility in Dubai, focused on the Boeing 737 fleet.
- Boeing 737 MAX-specific safety and emergency procedures
- Firefighting, evacuation drills, and ditching scenarios
- First aid, CPR, and medical emergency management
- Security awareness and threat response protocols
- In-flight service delivery and passenger interaction
- Food and beverage service procedures
- Grooming standards and uniform presentation
- Crew resource management and team coordination
Single aircraft type advantage
Because Flydubai operates only the Boeing 737 MAX, training is focused on a single aircraft type. This means crew become highly proficient on one platform rather than splitting knowledge across multiple aircraft types. For new cabin crew, this simplifies the learning curve significantly.
Flydubai vs Emirates
Both airlines are owned by the Government of Dubai. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide which suits you better, or whether to apply to both.
| Category | Flydubai | Emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Salary | AED 7,000-9,000 | AED 8,000-13,000 |
| Base Salary | AED 3,500-4,500/mo | AED 4,260/mo |
| Fleet | Boeing 737 MAX only | A380, 777 (wide-body) |
| Route Network | 90+ destinations (regional) | 150+ destinations (global) |
| Accommodation | Shared (provided) | Shared (provided) |
| Prestige | Growing LCC reputation | Global luxury brand |
| Hiring Difficulty | Moderately competitive | Highly competitive |
| Training Duration | 8 weeks | 7-8 weeks |
| Layover Quality | Shorter routes, fewer layovers | Long-haul, premium layovers |
| Tax | Tax-free | Tax-free |
Bottom line: Emirates offers higher pay, a wider route network, and more prestige. Flydubai offers easier entry, a growing fleet, and the same Dubai lifestyle. Many crew start at Flydubai and transition to Emirates later, making Flydubai a strategic first step in Gulf aviation.
Why choose Flydubai
Flydubai is not just a backup plan. For many crew, it is the right choice. Here is why.
Rapid Fleet Expansion
Flydubai operates over 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and continues to order more. A growing fleet means more cabin crew positions, more routes, and more opportunity for career progression. New crew are being hired at an accelerating pace to keep up with fleet growth.
Dubai Lifestyle, Tax-Free
Based in Dubai with all the benefits that come with it: zero income tax, world-class infrastructure, warm weather year-round, and a vibrant international community. Your take-home pay is your actual pay. Flydubai provides accommodation, so your living costs are significantly reduced.
Stepping Stone to Emirates
Flydubai and Emirates share the same owner: the Government of Dubai. Many cabin crew use Flydubai as a stepping stone to Emirates. Having Flydubai experience on your CV demonstrates you already understand Dubai-based aviation operations, giving you a significant advantage in Emirates recruitment.
Less Competitive Entry
While still selective, Flydubai does not attract the same volume of applicants as Emirates. This means your chances of progressing through recruitment are statistically higher. For candidates who have been rejected by Emirates, Flydubai offers a realistic alternative in the same city.
Growing Route Network
Flydubai now flies to over 90 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, Europe, and the Indian Subcontinent. The network is expanding rapidly, with codeshare partnerships with Emirates opening up even more destinations for crew to experience.
Work-Life Balance
With shorter regional routes compared to Emirates long-haul flights, Flydubai crew often have more predictable schedules and spend more nights in their home base of Dubai. For crew who value routine and stability over exotic layovers, this is a genuine advantage.
Frequently asked
Is Flydubai a good airline to work for?
Flydubai is consistently rated positively by cabin crew. The airline offers tax-free salary, provided accommodation in Dubai, flight benefits, and a growing route network. While the pay is lower than Emirates, the overall package is competitive for the region. The work culture is modern and the fleet is one of the youngest in the Middle East. Many crew enjoy the balance between a professional working environment and the Dubai lifestyle.
Can I transfer from Flydubai to Emirates?
There is no formal transfer programme between Flydubai and Emirates. However, Flydubai experience is highly regarded in Emirates recruitment. You would need to apply through the standard Emirates recruitment process, but having Flydubai cabin crew experience on your CV gives you a significant advantage. Many successful Emirates crew started their aviation career at Flydubai. You will still need to complete Emirates training if accepted.
What is the Flydubai cabin crew contract length?
The initial contract is typically 3 years, based in Dubai, UAE. After the initial period, contracts can be renewed. Flydubai provides shared accommodation in Dubai, transportation assistance, and annual leave with travel benefits. The probation period is usually 6 months, during which performance and attendance are closely monitored.
Does Flydubai provide accommodation?
Yes. Flydubai provides shared accommodation for cabin crew in Dubai. Crew typically share apartments with other crew members. The accommodation is fully furnished and located in accessible areas of Dubai. While you do not get to choose your flatmates, the housing quality is generally good and significantly reduces your living expenses in what can be an expensive city.
What is the difference between Flydubai and Emirates cabin crew roles?
The core safety and service responsibilities are similar, but there are key differences. Flydubai operates a single-aisle Boeing 737 fleet on shorter regional routes, while Emirates operates wide-body A380 and 777 aircraft on long-haul global routes. Emirates crew experience premium first-class and business-class service, while Flydubai service is more streamlined. Emirates offers more exotic layovers, while Flydubai crew have more time in Dubai. Emirates pay is higher but the entry bar is also higher.
Do I need previous cabin crew experience for Flydubai?
No. Flydubai does not require previous cabin crew or aviation experience. They provide full training at their facility in Dubai. What they value is customer service experience, hospitality backgrounds, and strong communication skills. Experience in hotels, restaurants, retail, or healthcare is looked upon favourably. A positive attitude and willingness to learn matter more than aviation-specific experience.
Is there an age limit for Flydubai cabin crew?
The minimum age is 21 years old. Flydubai does not publicly state an upper age limit, though the role is physically demanding and all candidates must meet health and fitness standards. Candidates of all ages are welcome to apply as long as they meet the physical and medical requirements.
Can I apply to Flydubai if I have tattoos?
Flydubai does not permit visible tattoos when wearing the cabin crew uniform. This includes tattoos on the arms, hands, neck, and face. If your tattoo is on a part of your body that is fully covered by the uniform at all times, you may still be eligible. Small, easily concealed tattoos are generally not an issue, but anything visible during uniform wear will disqualify you.
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