IATA Calls for Nominations for 2026 Diversity and Inclusion Awards

According to an IATA press release, the awards celebrate excellence in promoting diversity and inclusion across three distinct categories that include Inspirational Role Model Award, Highflyer Award and Inspirational Role Model Award.

Feb 27, 2026 - 03:01 Updated: Feb 27, 2026 - 21:08

IATA Calls for Nominations for 2026 Diversity and Inclusion Awards

Illustration has been created by Google Gemini.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has officially opened nominations for the 2026 edition of its Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Awards, marking the seventh consecutive year the organisation has recognised outstanding contributions to equity and representation in the global aviation industry.

According to an IATA press release, the awards celebrate excellence in promoting diversity and inclusion across three distinct categories that include Inspirational Role Model Award, Highflyer Award and Inspirational Role Model Award.

* The Inspirational Role Model Award honours a woman holding a senior leadership position within the air transport industry who has made substantial impact on diversity and inclusion through her significant influence at the global level.

* The Highflyer Award recognises a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete actions advancing diversity and inclusion, making a tangible positive impact on the industry.

* The Diversity & Inclusion Team Award acknowledges an IATA member airline that has achieved measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion outcomes through dedicated organisational efforts.

"A diverse and inclusive aviation sector is essential to attract the talent needed to support the growth of industry and enable it to deliver connectivity that underpins trade, tourism, jobs, and economic development," said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.

"I look forward to seeing another impressive set of nominations reflecting the many efforts across our industry to ensure that aviation can be a rewarding career choice for all. If you have experienced excellence in this area, tell us about it in a nomination and help inspire others," Walsh added.

Judging Panel and Evaluation Process

An independent judging panel chaired by Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief of Air Transport World, will evaluate the nominations. The panel comprises the 2025 award recipients:

* Inspirational Role Model: Claudia Zapata-Cardone, President of Latin Professionals in Aerospace (LPA)

* Highflyer: Katherine Moloney, Founder of Elevate (her) Aviation

* Diversity & Inclusion Team: Christianna Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Air Canada

Each award carries a USD 25,000 prize sponsored by Qatar Airways. Winners will be announced during IATA's 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), scheduled to take place from June 6 to 8, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nominations will remain open until 5 April 2026, giving industry stakeholders approximately five weeks to submit candidates for consideration.

The awards programme reflects IATA's ongoing commitment to fostering an aviation industry that embraces diversity and inclusion as fundamental pillars of sustainable growth and innovation.

Tourism Struggles Ahead of Ramadan in Bangladesh

Bangladesh–India–Tripura bus service resumes after 18-month suspension

How Political Unrest Crushed Bangladesh's Tourism & Aviation Industry

Why Bangladesh Struggles to Attract Tourists

A Year of Rapid Change in Bangladesh’s Aviation Industry

Some Heritage Sites and Monuments of Bangladesh

Nine Attractive and Scenic Places of Bangladesh

Narayanganj's Murapara Zamindar Bari: A Unique Example of Architectural Style

Bangladesh’s Aviation Drive Could Reshape Future of Tourism

Bangladesh-India Relations Show Signs of Recovery

New Bangladesh Govt Brings Light of Hope to Indian Tourism Sector

Bangladesh Resumes Visa Services in India