Thinking about a career as cabin crew or air hostess in India? The first question most students ask is — am I eligible? This complete guide covers all cabin crew eligibility requirements in Kerala for 2026 — height, weight, age, educational qualification, vision, and grooming standards — so you know exactly where you stand before applying.
At Neerja School of Aviation — India’s First IATA Classic Authorised Training Centre in Kerala — our admissions counsellors help hundreds of students every year understand cabin crew eligibility and prepare for airline recruitment. This guide is based on the actual requirements of Indian and Gulf airlines in 2026.
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational qualification | 10+2 pass from any recognised board — any stream |
| Age limit | 17 to 26 years (freshers) — up to 30 for experienced |
| Height — female | Minimum 157 cm (5 feet 2 inches) |
| Height — male | Minimum 170 cm (5 feet 7 inches) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height — BMI 18 to 25 |
| Vision | 6/6 with or without corrective lenses |
| Skin | No visible tattoos in uniform — clear complexion preferred |
| Language | Fluent English — additional languages are an advantage |
| Marital status | Single preferred by most airlines for fresher recruitment |
| Medical fitness | No chronic illness — good physical and mental health |
Height and weight are the most frequently asked about eligibility criteria for cabin crew in India. Here is a detailed breakdown by airline type:
| Airline Type | Female Height | Male Height | BMI Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian domestic airlines (IndiGo, SpiceJet) | 157 cm minimum | 170 cm minimum | 18 to 25 |
| Air India | 158 cm minimum | 173 cm minimum | 18 to 25 |
| Emirates, Qatar Airways | 160 cm minimum | Not typically recruited | 18 to 25 |
| Air Arabia, Oman Air | 157 cm minimum | 170 cm minimum | 18 to 25 |
Weight must be proportionate to height. Airlines do not usually specify an exact weight — they look for a healthy BMI between 18 and 25. At Neerja School of Aviation, our trainers guide students on maintaining the right BMI and grooming standards for airline recruitment.
The minimum educational qualification for cabin crew in India is 10+2 (12th grade) from any recognised board — CBSE, ICSE, or State Board. You can be from any stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts. There is no specific subject requirement.
A degree is not required for cabin crew recruitment. However, having a diploma or certification in aviation — such as the IATA Diploma in Cabin Crew Training from Neerja School of Aviation — significantly improves your chances of being shortlisted by airlines.
Some airlines prefer graduates (any stream) for senior positions, but 12th pass is sufficient for fresher cabin crew recruitment at all major Indian and Gulf airlines.
| Category | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Fresher cabin crew — domestic airlines | 18 to 26 years |
| Fresher cabin crew — Gulf airlines | 18 to 28 years |
| Experienced cabin crew | Up to 30 years |
| IATA training at Neerja | 17 to 26 years |
Age relaxation is sometimes available for candidates with prior hospitality or aviation experience. At 17 years, students can begin IATA Diploma training at Neerja and be job-ready by 18 — perfectly within the fresher recruitment age window.
The vision requirement for cabin crew in India is 6/6 — which means normal vision. However, this can be achieved with corrective lenses. Airlines accept candidates who wear glasses or contact lenses, provided their corrected vision reaches 6/6.
Candidates with colour blindness are generally not eligible for cabin crew roles. Laser eye surgery (LASIK) is accepted by most airlines provided the surgery was completed at least 6 months before recruitment and the candidate has stable 6/6 vision post-surgery.
Airlines pay close attention to grooming and personal presentation during cabin crew recruitment. Here are the key grooming requirements:
At Neerja School of Aviation, our grooming and personality development training covers all airline-specific standards. Students undergo regular grooming sessions conducted by certified professionals throughout the 1-year IATA Diploma programme.
Cabin crew must be physically fit to handle the demands of the job — long flights, irregular hours, and emergency situations. Airlines check for:
| Airline | Min Height (F) | Age | Education | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | 157 cm | 18–26 | 12th pass | Not required |
| Air India | 158 cm | 18–27 | 12th pass | Not required |
| SpiceJet | 157 cm | 18–26 | 12th pass | Not required |
| Emirates | 160 cm | 21–30 | 12th pass | Preferred |
| Qatar Airways | 160 cm | 21–28 | 12th pass | Preferred |
| Air Arabia | 157 cm | 18–28 | 12th pass | Not required |
| Oman Air | 157 cm | 18–28 | 12th pass | Not required |
Meeting the eligibility criteria is just the first step. Here is how to maximise your chances of getting selected by an airline:
If you meet the basic eligibility — 12th pass, age 17 to 26, height above 157 cm — you are ready to begin your cabin crew journey. The next step is enrolling in the IATA Diploma in Cabin Crew Training at Neerja School of Aviation in Kochi or Calicut.
📞 96564 11333
📧 neerjaaviation@gmail.com
📍 Kochi: K S Tower, Airport VIP Road, Nedumbassery, near Cochin International Airport, Kerala 683585
📍 Calicut: Kozhikode
The minimum height for cabin crew in India is 157 cm (5 feet 2 inches) for female candidates at most domestic airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air Arabia. International airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways require a minimum of 160 cm.
The age limit for cabin crew fresher recruitment in India is typically 18 to 26 years for domestic airlines. Gulf airlines recruit up to age 28 to 30 years. Training at Neerja School of Aviation accepts candidates from age 17.
Yes. Airlines accept cabin crew candidates who wear glasses or contact lenses, provided the corrected vision reaches 6/6. LASIK surgery is also accepted by most airlines if performed at least 6 months before recruitment.
The minimum qualification for cabin crew in India is 10+2 pass (12th grade) from any recognised board in any stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts. No degree is required. An IATA-certified cabin crew diploma from a recognised institute like Neerja School of Aviation significantly improves recruitment prospects.
Tattoos are generally not accepted if they are visible when wearing the airline uniform. This means tattoos on the wrist, neck, hands, forearms, and below the knee are problematic. Tattoos covered by the uniform are usually accepted. Check individual airline policies for specific guidance.
Most Indian airlines prefer single (unmarried) candidates for fresher cabin crew recruitment. However, this policy varies by airline and some airlines do recruit married candidates. Gulf airlines are generally more flexible regarding marital status.
Airlines look for a healthy BMI between 18 and 25 for cabin crew candidates. Weight must be proportionate to height. Neerja School of Aviation guides students on maintaining the right BMI throughout their training programme.
Call our admissions team at 96564 11333 or visit our campus in Kochi or Calicut. Our counsellors will assess your eligibility based on your height, age, educational qualification, and other criteria — and guide you on the next steps to begin your cabin crew career.
