The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Awards.
The awards recognise excellence in promoting diversity and inclusion within the aviation industry across three categories.
Award Categories
Inspirational Role Model Award
Recognises a woman holding a senior position within the air transport industry who has had substantial global impact on diversity and inclusion through her influence.
High Flyer Award
Recognises a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete action supporting diversity and inclusion and has made a positive impact on the industry.
Diversity & Inclusion Team Award
Recognises an airline that has achieved measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion through its initiatives. Nominations in this category are open to all IATA member airlines.
Each award includes a USD 25,000 prize, sponsored by Qatar Airways. The prize may be paid directly to the recipient or to a charity of their choice supporting diversity and inclusion.
Industry Perspective
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, stated that a diverse and inclusive aviation sector is essential to attract the talent required to support industry growth and maintain the connectivity that underpins trade, tourism, employment and economic development. He encouraged nominations to highlight excellence and inspire further progress across the sector.
Qatar Airways, sponsor of the awards, highlighted the importance of diversity to the aviation industry’s daily operations and reaffirmed its partnership in recognising individuals and teams contributing to the industry’s long-term development.
Judging Panel And Timeline
An independent judging panel chaired by Karen Walker, Editor-in-Chief of Air Transport World, will evaluate the nominations. The panel includes the 2025 award recipients:
- Claudia Zapata-Cardone, President of the Latin Professionals in Aerospace (Inspirational Role Model)
- Katherine Moloney, Founder of Elevate (her) Aviation (High Flyer)
- Christianna Scott, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Air Canada (Diversity & Inclusion Team Award)
Winners will be announced at 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.
SOURCE: International Air Transport Association (IATA) IMAGE: © IATA. Willie Walsh
