Cabin Crew Recruitment in Portugal: Which Airlines Hire, Requirements and How to Apply

Portugal is an active market for cabin crew recruitment, with Lisbon as the main hub. Several airlines hire flight attendants for Portuguese bases, and others run assessment days here. This guide covers which airlines are hiring, what the recruitment process looks like, and what you need to do to apply successfully.

Which airlines recruit cabin crew in Portugal?

These are the main airlines running active cabin crew recruitment in Portugal, either from permanent bases or through periodic assessment days.

Airline	Base in Portugal	How they recruit
TAP Air Portugal	Lisbon, Porto	Direct — own careers portal
Ryanair	Lisbon, Porto, Faro	Via agencies (Crewlink, Workforce)
easyJet	Lisbon	Direct — own careers portal
Azores Airlines	Ponta Delgada	Direct — own careers portal
Xfly	Lisbon	Direct — own careers portal
Emirates	Assessment days in Lisbon only	Positions based in Dubai — relocation required
Etihad	Assessment days in Lisbon only	Positions based in Abu Dhabi — relocation required

Entry requirements for cabin crew recruitment in Portugal

These requirements apply across most airlines recruiting from Portuguese bases. Individual airlines may have additional or slightly different criteria — always check the specific job posting.

• Age: 18 years minimum. Some airlines require 21+.
• Education: Secondary school certificate (12th grade minimum).
• Arm reach: 210 cm standing on tiptoes — the most commonly applied physical requirement.
• Swimming: Pass a swim test, typically 25–50 metres unaided.
• Languages: Fluent English required by all airlines. TAP Air Portugal and Azores Airlines additionally require fluent Portuguese.
• Medical: Pass a Class 3 aviation medical examination.
• Criminal record: Clean background check — mandatory across all carriers.
• Right to work: Valid EU/EEA work authorisation for Portugal-based roles. Non-EU nationals must hold a valid permit. See the requirements for non-EU workers in Portugal.

The cabin crew recruitment process in Portugal

The recruitment process is broadly the same across most airlines, though timelines vary.

Step 1 — Online application

Apply through the airline’s official careers portal with a tailored CV. Highlight customer service experience, languages and any hospitality or aviation background. For Ryanair, apply through an approved agency such as Crewlink — not Ryanair directly. Do not pay any third party to “secure” a position — no legitimate airline charges application fees.

Step 2 — Assessment day

Shortlisted candidates attend an assessment day, typically in Lisbon or Porto. This includes group exercises, a language test, the arm reach and swim tests, and a panel interview. Research the airline’s network, values and fleet in advance. Dress professionally and arrive early — first impressions count at this stage.

Step 3 — Medical and background checks

Candidates who pass the assessment proceed to a Class 3 aviation medical and criminal background check. Both are mandatory. The medical covers vision, hearing, cardiovascular health and general fitness. Results are reviewed by the airline’s medical team.

Step 4 — Initial training

Successful candidates complete initial training, typically four to six weeks. This covers safety procedures, emergency drills, first aid, fire training and service standards. You receive your EASA Cabin Crew Attestation (CCA) on completion. Training is typically unpaid or paid at a reduced rate — budget for this period in advance.

Cabin crew salaries in Portugal

Salaries vary significantly depending on the airline, contract type and seniority. Portugal-based roles pay less than equivalent positions with Gulf carriers, though the Gulf roles require full relocation.

Airline	Est. base salary (gross/month)	Key notes
TAP Air Portugal	€1,100 – €1,600	+ per diems + allowances. Permanent
Ryanair (via agency)	€900 – €1,300	+ flying hours pay. Self-employed
easyJet	€1,100 – €1,500	+ flying pay. Permanent
Xfly / regional	€950 – €1,300	Varies by contract
Emirates / Etihad	AED 4,000–5,000 tax-free	Dubai/Abu Dhabi. Accommodation included

Always confirm the full package before accepting — base salary, flying pay, per diems, benefits and contract type all affect what you actually take home.

Is it worth applying for cabin crew in Portugal?

What works in your favour

• Lisbon is a growing aviation hub with consistent demand for English-speaking cabin crew.
• A few years at TAP or easyJet builds a CV that opens doors at larger international carriers.
• Full-service airlines offer genuine travel benefits and route discounts.
• The recruitment process is structured — if you meet the requirements and prepare well, your chances are realistic.

What to be realistic about

• Entry-level base salaries in Portugal are modest — €900–€1,300/month before flying pay.
• Ryanair’s agency/self-employed model means no standard employment protections. Read the contract carefully before signing.
• Irregular hours, weekends and public holidays are unavoidable in this career.
• Emirates and Etihad offer better pay but require you to leave Portugal — they are not Portugal-based jobs.
• Initial training is typically unpaid. Factor this into your finances before applying.

Frequently asked questions