IATA opens 2026 Diversity & Inclusion Awards nominations

February 27, 2026 in Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

IATA has opened nominations for the 2026 Diversity & Inclusion Awards, with winners to be unveiled at its 82nd Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro in June.

 

International airlines lobby (IATA) has announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 edition of its Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Awards, recognising individuals and airlines advancing inclusion across global aviation.

The awards honour excellence in three categories: the Inspirational Role Model Award, the High Flyer Award, and the Diversity & Inclusion Team Award.

The Inspirational Role Model Award recognises a woman in a senior leadership position within the air transport industry whose influence has had a substantial global impact on diversity and inclusion.

The High Flyer Award is aimed at female aviation professionals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership through concrete actions that advance inclusion and positively shape the industry.

Meanwhile, the Diversity & Inclusion Team Award recognises an airline that has achieved measurable and positive change in diversity and inclusion. Nominations in this category are open to all IATA member airlines.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh, said building a diverse and inclusive sector is central to aviation’s long-term growth.

“A diverse and inclusive aviation sector is essential to attract the talent needed to support the growth of the industry and enable it to deliver connectivity that underpins trade, tourism, jobs, and economic development,” Walsh said. “If you have experienced excellence in this area, tell us about it in a nomination and help inspire others.”

Each award carries a USD 25,000 prize, sponsored by Qatar Airways. The funds may be paid directly to the recipient or donated to a charity of their choice that supports diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Qatar Airways, a long-standing partner of the awards’, said diversity is fundamental to aviation’s daily operations, which rely on collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. The airline described its sponsorship as part of a broader commitment to advancing progress and long-term success within the industry.

An independent judging panel chaired by Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief of Air Transport World, will evaluate nominations. The panel includes the 2025 award recipients: Claudia Zapata-Cardone, President of Latin Professionals in Aerospace (LPA); Katherine Moloney, Founder of Elevate (her) Aviation; and Christianna Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Air Canada.

The winners will be announced during IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), scheduled for 6–8 June 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Nominations close on 5 April 2026.