If you want to work for the UAE's national airline, the timing has rarely been better. Etihad Airways says it will add around 7,000 people to its workforce by 2035. Here is what was announced, which jobs the growth creates, and exactly how to apply without falling for the scams that follow every big hiring headline.
What Etihad announced
Speaking in September 2026, Dr Nadia Bastaki, Etihad's Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer, set out the airline's workforce plan, as reported by Khaleej Times and Aviation Business Middle East:
- Around 15,000 employees by the end of 2026.
- A target of 22,000 employees by 2035, roughly 7,000 more than today.
- More than 3,000 new hires needed in 2026 alone, as the airline grows about 20% year on year.
- Most new roles are frontline: pilots, technicians and engineers, alongside cabin crew.
- Emiratisation through cadet pilot, airport and technician programmes, with over 300 UAE nationals expected to join through structured programmes in 2026.
Competition is fierce: Etihad says it receives more than 100,000 cabin crew applications and screens them with AI tools. It also points to fast progression, with some crew becoming pursers within 18 months.
Why Etihad needs so many people
The short answer is aircraft. Chief executive Antonoaldo Neves said in February 2026 that Etihad added 29 aircraft in 2025, taking the fleet to 127, the largest in its history, and that it expects to receive around 20 aircraft a year. In 2025 alone the airline hired about 3,200 people, including roughly 1,600 cabin crew and 400 pilots, according to Gulf News.
Every new aircraft needs several full crews, engineers and ground teams. Neves has also said Etihad aims to grow from about 25 million passengers a year to 37 million by 2030, so expect steady hiring rather than a one-off campaign.
Which roles are open
Etihad's official careers site groups vacancies into six areas:
- Cabin Crew: the largest intake, recruited worldwide.
- Pilots: direct-entry First Officers and Captains, plus cadet routes.
- Engineering and Operations: licensed engineers, technicians and operations staff.
- Corporate: finance, IT, HR, commercial and marketing at head office.
- UAE Nationals: dedicated programmes for Emiratis.
- International: roles based in Etihad's overseas stations.
For a fuller look at pay and packages by role, see our Etihad careers guide. Etihad has not published salary figures alongside this announcement, so treat any number quoted on social media with caution and check the vacancy itself.
How to apply for Etihad jobs
All applications go through careers.etihad.com, which links to Etihad's applicant portal. Etihad does not hire through WhatsApp messages or CVs sent to random email addresses.
- Create a candidate profile and complete every section. For cabin crew, follow the photo guidance carefully.
- Apply to a live vacancy. Crew apply to the Cabin Crew Worldwide posting. For pilot, engineering and corporate roles, match your CV to the keywords in the advert, using our UAE CV format guide.
- Watch for an invitation. Shortlisted crew candidates are invited to invite-only Assessment Days.
- Attend the assessment. Etihad describes the day as interactive group activities, aptitude and English language assessments, and a final interview.
- Offer, medical and visa. Successful candidates receive an offer, complete medical checks and are sponsored for a UAE residence visa before training in Abu Dhabi.
Etihad also runs recruitment events around the world. In October 2026 its careers site lists events in Munich, Frankfurt, Athens and Hong Kong, plus a virtual session on 20 October. Dates change, so check before you travel.
Cabin crew requirements
According to Etihad's cabin crew page, you need to:
- Be at least 21 at the time of application.
- Have a minimum height of 163 cm.
- Hold a high school certificate (Grade 12 or equivalent).
- Speak and write English fluently.
- Have no visible tattoos while wearing the uniform.
Listed benefits include a tax-free salary, a home in Abu Dhabi and three-year renewable contracts. Older blogs still quote an arm-reach test; the current official page lists a height minimum instead, so go by the official page.
How to spot an Etihad recruitment scam
Big hiring news brings fake offers. Etihad has publicly warned that it will never ask applicants for payment of any kind, will never charge an application fee at any stage, and will always contact you from an email address ending in @etihad.ae.
Treat these as red flags:
- A request for a "processing", "visa" or "training" fee.
- An offer without any interview or assessment.
- Emails from Gmail, Outlook or look-alike domains.
- Requests for your bank or card details.
If something feels wrong, stop replying and check directly through careers.etihad.com. Charging jobseekers recruitment fees is illegal in the UAE, and you can report suspected fraud to the police.
Key takeaway
Etihad's plan to reach 22,000 staff by 2035 means thousands of openings every year, mainly for pilots, engineers, technicians and cabin crew. Apply only through careers.etihad.com, meet the published requirements before you apply, and never pay anyone for a job offer. If you want options beyond aviation, browse live UAE jobs at the same time.
FAQ
How many people is Etihad hiring?
Etihad has said it needs more than 3,000 new hires in 2026 and plans to grow from around 15,000 to 22,000 employees by 2035. That works out to roughly 7,000 additional people over the period, on top of replacing staff who leave.
Where do I apply for Etihad jobs?
Apply only through careers.etihad.com, which links to Etihad's applicant portal. Create a profile, then apply to a specific vacancy.
What are the Etihad cabin crew requirements in 2026?
You must be at least 21, have a minimum height of 163 cm, hold a Grade 12 or equivalent certificate, speak fluent English and have no tattoos visible in uniform. Check the official cabin crew page before applying, as criteria can change.
Does Etihad charge a fee to apply?
No. Etihad says it never asks applicants for money at any stage and only emails from addresses ending in @etihad.ae. Any request for a fee is a scam.
Can I walk in to an Etihad open day?
No. Cabin crew Assessment Days are invite only, so apply online first. The careers site also lists recruitment events by city.
