When people think of glamour in aviation, Emirates (EK) is one of the first airlines that comes to mind. Based in Dubai, it’s the largest international airline in the world, operating a fleet of Airbus A350s, A380s and Boeing 777s that reach more than 130 destinations. For flight attendants or cabin crew in general, it’s not just a job but an opportunity to live in one of the most dynamic cities on the planet while working for an airline known for luxury service.
But beyond the lifestyle and prestige, let’s explore salaries, benefits, requirements, and the complete hiring process in 2025.
Emirates Flight Attendant Salary
Emirates offers a tax-free salary package, which is one of its biggest attractions. The pay structure combines a fixed monthly basic salary with flying pay and generous layover allowances.
- Basic salary: Around AED 4,430 per month
- Flying pay: AED 63 per hour flown
- Average monthly earnings: AED 10,000 – AED 12,000 (roughly US$2,700–US$3,250)
This means that a new recruit can expect to make around AED 120,000 – AED 140,000 ($33,000 – $38,000) annually .
As crew gain experience and seniority, it’s obvious that the pay rises. Senior Flight Stewards/Stewardesses and Pursers can make well over AED 16,000 ($4350) per month, especially when assigned to long-haul flights with higher flying hours and more allowances.
To put it simply, a cabin crew member at Emirates can enjoy a comfortable living in Dubai, with housing and transport provided on top of the salary.
Benefits of Working with Emirates
Emirates doesn’t just offer a good pay package, it’s the whole lifestyle that makes the job appealing. Some of the standout benefits include:
- Free accommodation – Fully furnished shared apartments in Dubai, with utilities paid by the airline.
- Transport – Company-provided shuttle buses to and from the airport.
- Tax-free salary – With no income tax in the UAE, crew take home the full amount they earn.
- Travel perks – Discounted and standby tickets for staff, family, and friends, plus reduced fares through airline partners.
- Medical insurance – Comprehensive healthcare cover included.
- End-of-service gratuity – A lump sum paid when leaving the airline, based on years of service.
- Lifestyle discounts – Crew get reductions at gyms, restaurants, and shops in Dubai.
- Career progression – Opportunities to move up to Purser or even management roles within Emirates.
Requirements to Become Emirates Flight Attendant
Emirates sets high standards for its crew, reflecting the airline’s premium service reputation. To apply in 2025, candidates must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have an arm reach of 212 cm while standing on tiptoes
- Be a minimum of 160 cm tall
- Hold a high school diploma (Year 12 equivalent)
- Speak and write fluent English (additional languages are a plus)
- Be healthy with a Body Mass Index (BMI) in proportion
- Have no visible tattoos when in uniform
- Be able to swim 25 metres unaided
- Possess strong customer service skills
Moreover, as Emirates is based in Dubai, applicants must also be willing to relocate there.
Hiring Process at Emirates
The recruitment process is highly competitive. Thousands apply for each intake, so the airline runs a rigorous selection procedure.
- Online Application: Candidates submit an application on the Emirates careers website, including CV, personal details, and photos.
- Open Day / Assessment Day: Successful applicants are invited to an Open Day, often held in cities worldwide. Here, recruiters meet candidates face to face. Group discussions, teamwork exercises, and communication tasks are carried out to see how applicants interact.
- Reach Test and Language Assessment: Physical checks, such as reaching 212 cm, are performed. English skills are also assessed through written and spoken exercises.
- Final Interview: Applicants who impress are invited to a one-to-one interview. This focuses on customer service experience, problem-solving, and motivation for joining Emirates.
- Medical Checks and Background Screening: Candidates undergo medical tests to ensure they meet health standards, followed by security and reference checks.
- Training in Dubai: Once accepted, recruits are flown to Dubai for eight weeks of training at Emirates’ state-of-the-art training facility. Training covers safety, first aid, service delivery, and cultural awareness. After graduating, they officially join the airline as cabin crew.
Emirates Cabin Crew Salary Compared with Other Airlines
When comparing Emirates flight attendant salary to other global carriers, the package is attractive. The tax-free element makes salaries stretch further than at airlines in Europe or Australia, where a large portion goes to tax.
For example:
- Qantas crew typically earn A$50,000–A$70,000 annually, which is good but taxed.
- British Airways crew start lower and must cover higher living costs in London.
- Emirates crew earn AED 120,000–140,000 tax-free, with free housing, making disposable income much higher.
This explains why Emirates continues to attract applicants from all over the world.
Emirates Airline Fleet in 2025
As of September 2025, Emirates operates an all-wide-body flight of 254 aircraft. The Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 are the carriers workhorse, with new Airbus A350-900s joining the fleet throughout the year. It is the world’s largest operator of both the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777. Emirates flies to over 140 destinations from its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Emirates pilots and cabin crew members are based exclusively in Dubai, where they are provided with generous housing allowances or company-sponsored accommodation. The airline offers a unified pay scale based on aircraft size, seniority, and rank rather than nationality or route.
| Aircraft Type | In Service | On Order | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A380-800 | 116 | – | Largest A380 operator globally; 110 aircraft being retrofitted with premium economy. |
| Airbus A350-900 | 9 | 56 | Newly introduced; will support future network growth and efficiency. |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 119 | – | Backbone of long-haul network; used on high-capacity global routes. |
| Boeing 777-200LR | 10 | – | Ultra-long-range operations; used on niche long-haul routes. |
| Boeing 777-8 | – | 35 | Scheduled for delivery from 2030; will expand ultra-long-haul capability. |
| Boeing 777-9 | – | 170 | Expected from 2027; to gradually replace 777-300ERs. |
| Boeing 787-8 | – | 20 | Deliveries to begin in 2025; targeted for thinner long-haul routes. |
| Boeing 787-10 | – | 15 | Will offer greater capacity on medium- to long-haul routes. |
Bottom Line
In 2025, Emirates continues to offer one of the most attractive flight attendant salary packages worldwide. With tax-free pay averaging AED 10,000–12,000 per month, free housing, and a lifestyle based in Dubai, the airline provides both financial stability and the chance to travel the globe.
However, the requirements and selection process are tough, and the job is demanding, but for those who make it through, the rewards are more than worth it. For many young professionals, joining Emirates is not just about being cabin crew, it’s about starting a career with one of the most iconic airlines in the world.
FAQs – Emirates Flight Attendant Salary
New recruits earn a basic salary of about AED 4,430 per month plus AED 63 per flying hour. On average, this totals AED 10,000–12,000 per month (US$2,700–3,250).
Depending on flying hours and allowances, Emirates cabin crew typically earn AED 120,000–140,000 per year tax-free, which equals around US$33,000–38,000.
No, Emirates provides free, fully furnished shared apartments, with utilities covered by the airline.
Senior flight attendants and pursers earn over AED 16,000 ($4,000) per month, especially on long-haul routes with high flying hours.
Please join our Telegram Channel for the latest aviation updates.
Happy Dashain 2082!
