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Cabin Crew Swim Test Requirements by Airline

A swim test is a safety requirement, not a fitness competition — airlines that fly over water need crew who can genuinely swim unaided in an emergency water landing, and most test this during initial training rather than at the interview stage.

The typical standard is swimming a set distance (often 25 metres) unaided, sometimes followed by treading water for a set time. It genuinely eliminates people who assumed 'I can swim' was enough without having swum in years — worth practising properly before training starts, not just before the open day.

Domestic-only carriers with no overwater routes sometimes skip this requirement entirely — check the specific airline rather than assuming it applies everywhere.

Gulf & Middle East

Airline	Swim test
Emirates	Must be able to swim unaided for 25 metres and pass a swim test in training
Qatar Airways	Must be able to swim and pass the water-safety training component
Etihad Airways	Must pass a swim assessment during training
flydubai	Must pass a swim assessment during training
Riyadh Air	Basic swimming ability (with safety equipment)
Air Arabia	Must be able to swim with the help of a flotation aid
Jazeera Airways	Must be able to swim 50 metres unaided
Oman Air	Must be able to swim unaided

Indian Domestic

Airline	Swim test
Air India	Swimming ability is assessed as part of safety training
IndiGo	Swimming ability assessed as part of safety training

Asia-Pacific

Airline	Swim test
Cathay Pacific	Must be able to swim 50 metres

Europe

Airline	Swim test
Wizz Air	Must be able to swim unaided
easyJet	Must be able to swim 25 metres
KLM	Must be able to swim 50 metres unaided

Figures last reviewed 2026-08-17. Airlines revise standards between recruitment intakes — always confirm on the airline’s own careers page before applying.

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