Women in Aviation India Marks 10 Years of Girls in Aviation Day, Expands Nationwide Outreach

Introduction

Women in Aviation India (WAI) has marked a significant milestone with the 10th edition of Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD), reinforcing its commitment to empowering young girls and promoting gender inclusivity in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.

A Decade of Inspiring Future Aviators

Since its launch in India in 2016, Girls in Aviation Day has evolved into a nationwide movement, reaching over 50,000 girls across more than 30–35 cities, including underserved and remote regions. Backed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in aviation by creating awareness, mentorship opportunities, and access to industry exposure.

Dehradun Event Marks the 10th Edition

The 10th GIAD celebration was recently hosted in Dehradun on March 16, 2026, in collaboration with the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) under the Directorate General of Training. The event featured interactive sessions with aviation professionals, including Neerja Sodhi, Pragati Kamboj, and Kirti Tiwari, who shared their career journeys and industry insights with students.

Nationwide Engagement and Industry Partnerships

The milestone year has also seen GIAD events across cities such as Noida and Hyderabad, where students engaged directly with aviation professionals, including pilots, airport specialists, and trainers. Collaborations with organizations like GMR Hyderabad International Airport enabled experiential learning through facility tours, including Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) units and aviation training centers.

Focus on STEM, Skills and Career Awareness

Across all GIAD programs, a strong emphasis has been placed on STEM education, skill development, and mentorship as critical enablers for future careers. Interactive sessions, panel discussions, and student activities have helped participants better understand aviation roles spanning operations, engineering, customer service, and management.

Aligning with India’s Aviation Growth Story

The initiative comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is poised for large-scale expansion, with plans to increase the number of airports to 350 by 2047. As demand for skilled professionals grows, GIAD plays a vital role in building a diverse talent pipeline and encouraging greater female participation in the industry.

Leadership Perspective

Reflecting on the milestone, Radha Bhatia, President of Women in Aviation India, highlighted that the initiative has grown steadily over the past decade and continues to inspire young girls to view aviation as an achievable career path. She emphasized that GIAD has evolved into a movement, connecting students with role models and opening pathways to opportunities once considered out of reach.

Continuing the Momentum

With support from industry partners, educational institutions, and government bodies, Women in Aviation India plans to expand GIAD outreach further across the country. The year-long celebrations are expected to culminate with recognitions honoring women leaders who have contributed significantly to the aviation ecosystem.