The Riyadh Air Cabin Crew Application Journey
Applying for Riyadh Air is a multi-stage process. Unlike other Middle Eastern carriers, they rely heavily on AI screening early on to ensure only the most “brand-aligned” candidates move forward.
1. Phase One: The Digital Application
Candidates must apply through the official Riyadh Air careers portal. This is where the first “filter” happens.
The CV: Must be in PDF format. Use keywords like Hospitality, Safety, Premium Service, and Cultural Awareness.
The Photos: This is crucial. They usually require a full-length professional photo and a passport-sized photo against a plain background (white or light grey).
Requirements:
- Height: Minimum reach of 212cm (on tiptoes).
- Age: Usually 21 years old at the time of joining.
- Education: High school diploma is the minimum; a degree is a plus.
2. Phase Two: The Najdh AI Assessment
Once the CV is shortlisted, candidates receive an invite (usually within 24-48 hours from the time you submitted your application) to meet Najdh, the AI recruiter. This is 3-step process:
Cabin Crew Immersive Experience: Testing logic and “The Riyadh Air Way” of service. 10 minutes exercise – 11 questions with multiple choice for the answers.
English Speaking Assessment: A recorded (2-minute video) response to one question: (e.g., “Why you are the perfect candidate for this role?”). You should be dressed as if you are attending an assessment day (business attire/make-up for ladies). You may be seated as you are recording yourself via laptop, tablet or mobile phone. You can re-record the video once if needed.
Listening Comprehension – Upper Intermediate English Level: Listening and comprehension tasks. 10 questions where you will hear about 30 seconds long audio and then you have multiple choice answers.
You have 7 days to complete the above steps. The 7 day period starts from the date you receive email with the invitation to the online assessment with Najdh.
3. Phase Three: The Shortlist & Virtual Interview
If Najdh “approves,” a human recruiter reviews the video. Successful candidates are then invited to a Live Virtual Interview via Microsoft Teams or a similar platform.
Focus: Expect questions about your previous experience handling difficult passengers and your willingness to relocate to Riyadh.
4. Phase Four: Assessment Day (Open Day/Invite Only)
The final stage is typically an in-person event held in major hubs (London, Dubai, Riyadh, etc.).
Group Exercise: Recruiters watch how candidates collaborate. Tip: Don’t be the loudest; be the most inclusive.
Grooming Check: A physical check for tattoos (must not be visible in uniform) and skin/posture.
Final 1-on-1 Interview: A deep dive into your personality and professional background.
Quick Reference: Candidate Requirements
About You
What type of candidates is Riyadh Air looking for:
- A natural communicator with a passion for providing top-tier service while keeping Riyadh’s Air guests safe and sound throughout their journey
- Someone who’s ready to wear their smile and bring that “Hafawa” hospitality magic while ensuring everyone feels safe and secure, no matter where the journey takes you
- An adventurer at heart and team player, excited to be the face of Riyadh Air, take on new experiences, and ready to embrace the thrill of travel all while making sure your passengers are in safe hands from take-off to landing
Do you have what it takes to fly with Riyadh Air?
✔ Age requirement: You must be at least 21 years old to join our crew.
✔ Education: A high school certificate or higher is required.
✔ Customer service experience: At least one year in hospitality or a customer-facing role.
✔ Height & Reach: At least 160 cm tall with an arm reach of 212 cm.
✔ Language: Fluent English is essential, and welcome skills in all other languages.
✔ Swimming skills: You must be a confident swimmer and able to use flotation devices.
✔ Professional appearance: No visible tattoos or piercings in uniform.
✔ Visa & relocation: You must meet Saudi employment visa requirements and be open to relocating to Riyadh, your new home.
My Top Tips for Acing the Assessment
If you want to stand out to Riyadh Air, you have to remember that they aren’t just a traditional airline—they are a tech-forward luxury brand. Here is how I recommend you prepare:
Master the “Digital Look”
Because you’re being interviewed by Najdh (the AI) in the first round, your technical setup is just as important as your answers. If the AI struggles to “see” your expressions or “hear” your tone, it can negatively impact your score before a human recruiter even views your file.
Lighting is key: Position yourself facing a window or a soft ring light. Avoid shadows on your face; the AI needs to track your features clearly.
Crystal clear audio: Use a high-quality headset or a quiet room with no echo. If the AI can’t transcribe your words accurately, you lose points on communication.
Embody the Brand (Beyond the Basics)
Riyadh Air is obsessed with the “future of flight.” To really impress them, don’t just give generic “I love traveling” answers. You need to show you understand their specific mission.
Talk Tech & Green: Weave keywords like innovation, digitally-native, and sustainability into your responses.
Mention Vision 2030: Show them you’ve done your homework. Mention how excited you are to be part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and helping Riyadh become a global aviation hub. This shows you are looking for a career, not just a job.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application. While there is no official upper age limit, the airline looks for high energy and physical fitness.
A High School Diploma (10+2) is the minimum requirement. However, a university degree or a background in luxury hospitality is highly valued.
If you do not pass the assessment, you must wait 6 months before submitting a new application. Use this time to gain more customer service experience or improve your language skills.
No. English is the official working language of Riyadh Air. While Arabic is a significant advantage, it is not a mandatory requirement for international applicants.
At least 160 cm tall with an arm reach of 212 cm.
Riyadh Air has a strict no-visible-tattoo policy. Tattoos must not be visible while wearing the cabin crew uniform. Bandages or cosmetic covers are generally not permitted during the assessment.
Yes. You must be a confident swimmer and be able to swim at least 25 meters unaided (usually without a life vest) to pass the safety and emergency training.
The intensive training program lasts between 7 to 9 weeks and takes place at the Riyadh Air Training Academy in Riyadh. It covers safety, medical emergencies, and premium service standards.
Yes. Riyadh Air provides fully-furnished, high-quality accommodation for all cabin crew. The housing is usually shared with one other crew member of the same gender, but you will have your own private bedroom and bathroom.
Absolutely. Riyadh is one of the fastest-growing cosmopolitan cities in the world. As a “Vision 2030” hub, the city offers a modern, safe, and vibrant lifestyle with world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Absolutely! I provide Cabin Crew CV writing service to deliver my client an attractive CV for an Open Day or an Online Application. For more information, click here.
Yes, absolutely! Prior experience in aviation is not required to become cabin crew. I was hired myself without any background in the airline industry.
While airlines do value experience in customer service or hospitality, it’s not mandatory. What matters most is your attitude, communication skills, and professionalism — all of which can be learned and demonstrated regardless of your previous job history.
English is the primary language used throughout the aviation industry. Airlines expect cabin crew to have a very good or fluent level of English — both spoken and written.
From my experience, not all cabin crew are perfectly fluent; many are non-native speakers who speak English well enough to communicate effectively. The key is that your English must be strong enough to clearly understand training materials, safety manuals, and communicate confidently with passengers and colleagues.
Yes, of course. Check my ebook ‘Cabin Crew Interview Success’ which helped many candidates to pass the recruitment process and they became cabin crew.
Want to Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired?
If you are serious about becoming cabin crew, these tools can help you succeed faster:
- Cabin Crew CV Writing Service – Get a professional CV that stands out
- ATS Scan Master – Check if your CV will pass airline screening
- Cabin Crew Interview Success eBook – Prepare with real interview answers
Start preparing today and move one step closer to your cabin crew career.