Objective <p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on attention, working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility in healthy adults, and to examine its association with flight simulation performance.</p> Methods <p>One hundred healthy adults aged 18–30 years were randomly assigned to one of four groups: left DLPFC anodal HD-tDCS, right DLPFC anodal HD-tDCS, bilateral DLPFC anodal HD-tDCS, or sham stimulation. Cognitive abilities and flight simulation performance were assessed before and after the intervention.&#xa0;</p> Results <p>The Stroop effect was significantly reduced in the left HD-tDCS group (<i>P</i> = 0.047) and the bilateral HD-tDCS group (<i>P</i> = 0.008). Switching costs decreased significantly in the right HD-tDCS group (<i>P</i> = 0.006) and the bilateral HD-tDCS group (<i>P</i> = 0.027). The bilateral HD-tDCS group also demonstrated significantly improved flight simulation performance (<i>P</i> = 0.014). :&#xa0;</p> Conclusion <p>Left and bilateral HD-tDCS improved inhibitory control, while right and bilateral HD-tDCS enhanced cognitive flexibility. Bilateral HD-tDCS yielded the most comprehensive benefits, including improved flight simulation performance.&#xa0;</p> Significance <p>These findings underscore the potential of bilateral DLPFC anodal HD-tDCS as a non-invasive tool for enhancing cognitive abilities and optimizing performance in high-demand operational contexts such as aviation. The results may inform future applications in cognitive training and neuroergonomics.</p>