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Online application
flydubai Ab Initio MPL selection: stages, tests and how to prepare
The flydubai Ab Initio Multi-Pilot Licence (MPL) programme is a self-sponsored route for non-UAE nationals, with training at an overseas partner and at the flydubai Flight Training centre. Selection runs from online application and online assessments through an on-demand video interview and a competency-based interview to an assessment day and a GCAA Class 1 medical. Entry rules include age 17 to 30, a high school score of at least 70% or a GPA of 3.0, and fluent English. The 2026 window is closed and flydubai says it will reopen for 2027. All facts checked 25 October 2026.1
The 2026 application window is closed; flydubai says it will reopen to accept applications for 2027. Checked 25 October 2026.1
- Programme Name and Type
- The programme is the Ab Initio Multi-Pilot License (MPL) training programme designed to prepare candidates for a career as a commercial airline pilot.1
- Training Locations
- Flight training occurs with an overseas training partner and at the flydubai Flight Training centre.1
- Application Window Status
- The application window for 2026 is closed.1
- Future Intake
- flydubai says it will reopen to accept applications for 2027.1
- Online Assessment Content
- The online assessment includes computer-based pilot aptitude tests, an English language assessment, and a psychomotor assessment.1
- Video Interview Format
- You will complete an on-demand video interview where you record responses to set questions.1
- Assessment Day Activities
- The assessment day includes a group activity, a personality assessment, and a one-to-one interview.1
- Offer Conditionality
- A conditional offer is issued upon successful completion of assessments, pending medical clearance.1
- Salary and Benefits
- Cadets receive a competitive salary package along with travel and medical benefits.1
- Fleet and network
- flydubai operates a young Boeing 737 fleet serving more than 130 destinations, with more than 125 Boeing 737 MAX and 30 Boeing 787 aircraft on order.1
About flydubai
flydubai is a low-cost airline from the United Arab Emirates. Its airline codes are FZ (IATA) and FDB (ICAO). flydubai operates from Dubai International (DXB). The fleet includes the Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8 and Boeing 737 MAX 9.
Its cadet route is the Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme (MPL). On 10 October 2026 the programme was listed as closed. Licensed pilots can also join flydubai as direct-entry first officers and captains. Pilot vacancies are published on a careers portal, linked in the profile on this page. This page sets out the selection in 6 stages.
The six phases
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Online assessment testPractise this phase
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On-demand video interviewPractise this phase
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Application review and competency-based interviewPractise this phase
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Assessment dayPractise this phase
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GCAA Class 1 medical
flydubai at a glance
- IATA / ICAO
- FZ / FDB2
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Hubs
- Dubai International (DXB)2
- Fleet
- Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737 MAX 8, Boeing 737 MAX 92
- Cadet programme
- Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme (MPL) (closed as of 10 Oct 2026)1
- Direct entry
- First officers, Captains3
SALARYFirst officer: AED 37,000 a month (fixed, 2026-10)First officer: AED 11,410 a month (variable flying pay, 2026-10)Captain: AED 50,235 a month (fixed, 2026-10)flydubai pilot salary
What does flydubai ask of pilots?
- Sponsorship Status
- This is a self-sponsored program specifically for non-UAE nationals.1
- Age Limit
- Candidates must be between 17 and 30 years old.1
- Educational Requirement
- Applicants need completion of high school with a minimum score of 70% or a GPA of 3.0 or higher.1
- Language Proficiency
- You must be fluent in English, both verbally and in writing.1
- Medical Certification
- You must have the ability to obtain a General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Class 1 Medical Certificate.1
- UAE National Documentation
- UAE national candidates must hold a UAE passport and Emirates ID.1
- Military Service for Males
- Male UAE national candidates must have completed Military National Service before joining the programme.1
- Required Documents
- You must submit an updated CV, a cover letter expressing passion for aviation, and copies of academic transcripts.1
Interview and group exercise
flydubai asks for people who are enthusiastic, motivated and passionate about aviation. As a cadet you are expected to uphold the highest standards of safety, discipline and professionalism, to show a strong commitment to continuous learning, self-development and operational excellence, to communicate and collaborate effectively with peers and instructors in a diverse, multicultural environment, and to show adaptability, resilience and a positive attitude in a fast-paced training setting.
Build one or two real examples for each of those expectations, from school, work, sport or volunteering, and structure each story as situation, task, action and result so it stays short.
For the group activity, which evaluates communication and teamwork, focus on active listening and constructive contribution rather than dominating the conversation. For the one-to-one interview, practise saying why you want the flydubai MPL route and how you meet the expectations above.1
What you can practise here
Start by gathering all required documentation, including your updated CV, academic transcripts, and any relevant certifications. Ensure your cover letter clearly expresses your passion for aviation and interest in the Multi-Pilot License programme.
Focus on enhancing your English language proficiency, as verbal and written fluency is mandatory. Keep your hand-eye co-ordination and multitasking sharp in short, regular sessions. Since the process includes an on-demand video interview, rehearse answering set questions about your motivation and suitability to ensure confident delivery.
As you approach the assessment stage, practice teamwork scenarios and communication skills, as these are evaluated during group activities. Review basic aviation knowledge and safety standards to demonstrate professionalism.
The practice plan for this selection includes English grammar, English vocabulary, Ball on the plate, Fast multitasking, Hand-eye-foot coordination, Visual memory, Rotating figures, Arithmetic: mixed problems, Interview preparation, Group exercise practice and Personality questionnaire (Big Five). A Pass unlocks the practice modes in that plan and runs for a week, a month, three months or a year, with no subscription and no automatic renewal.
Questions candidates ask
Is the flydubai Ab Initio MPL programme sponsored?
No, this is a self-sponsored program for non-UAE nationals.
What are the age requirements for the programme?
Candidates must be between 17 and 30 years old.
What educational qualifications are needed?
You must have completed high school with a minimum score of 70% or a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Academic transcripts are required during application.
How does the selection process work?
The process starts with an online application and computer-based aptitude tests. It continues with a video interview, competency-based interview, and an assessment day featuring group activities.
What medical certificate is required?
You must be able to obtain a General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Class 1 Medical Certificate. A conditional offer is issued pending this medical clearance.
What documents are needed for the application?
You need to submit an updated CV, a cover letter expressing passion for aviation, and copies of academic transcripts. Relevant certifications should also be included.
When is the next application window?
The 2026 application window is now closed. flydubai plans to reopen applications for the 2027 cycle.
What benefits do cadets receive?
Cadets receive a competitive salary package along with travel and medical benefits. The programme offers clear progression pathways within the airline.
What happens on the assessment day?
You take part in a group activity that evaluates your communication and teamwork skills, complete a personality assessment and attend a one-to-one interview that assesses your suitability for the programme. After successful assessments a conditional offer is issued pending GCAA Class 1 medical clearance.1
- 1Ab Initio Pilot Training Programme, flydubai Careers
- 2Wikipedia: flydubai · accessed 11 Oct 2026
- 3Pilot Vacancies | flydubai Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
- 4Second Officer Programme | flydubai Careers · accessed 10 Oct 2026
