Nominations Now Open for IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, Celebrating Innovation in Aviation, Get the Details Here

Published on February 26, 2026

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has made an announcement regarding the start of nominations for the prestigious 2026 Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Awards. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is headquartered in Montreal, Canada (North America) and Geneva, Switzerland (Europe). Founded in 1945 in Havana, Cuba, it serves as the global trade association for airlines, with offices worldwide. The Diversity & Inclusion Awards are its way to acknowledge the best efforts put into the cause of diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry. With the increasing emphasis on diversity in various sectors around the world, the Diversity & Inclusion Awards by IATA are a sign of hope and a need for more efforts to make the aviation industry an attractive career option for everyone.

Three Key Categories to Recognize Industry Excellence
The IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards are divided into three categories, each with specific criteria to recognize outstanding efforts in the sector:

• Inspirational Role Model Award: This category honors a senior woman in the aviation industry who has significantly impacted diversity and inclusion on a global level. Through her leadership, influence, and advocacy, she has created lasting change in how the aviation sector operates, inspiring others to follow her lead. This award seeks to acknowledge the tireless work of women who have overcome barriers to succeed in top-tier positions and have driven forward important diversity initiatives.
• High Flyer Award: The High Flyer Award is aimed at a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has shown exceptional leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion in the industry. This award recognizes those who are making a tangible, positive difference in aviation by actively promoting diversity and equality, whether through mentoring, leadership, or concrete actions in the workplace.
• Diversity & Inclusion Team Award: The final award category is focused on organizations within the aviation sector. Specifically, the D&I Team Award recognizes an airline that has achieved measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion through its ongoing initiatives. Nominations for this award are open to all IATA member airlines and celebrate companies that have implemented successful strategies to build a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Each of the three award categories offers a $25,000 prize, sponsored by Qatar Airways. The prize can be directed either to the recipient or to a charity of their choice that supports diversity and inclusion initiatives. This financial recognition further supports the commitment to strengthening diversity across the global aviation community.

Qatar Airways’ Role in Supporting Diversity in Aviation
As the sponsor of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, Qatar Airways continues to champion diversity in the aviation sector. The airline, renowned for its global reach and as the World’s Best Airline, recognizes the importance of working across cultures and backgrounds to foster innovation and excellence within the industry. Qatar Airways remains a long-standing partner of the IATA D&I Awards, further underscoring its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational values that contribute to the airline’s success and the growth of the aviation industry as a whole.

By supporting this award, Qatar Airways helps shine a spotlight on the individuals and teams that are driving progress in diversity and inclusion, contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of the aviation sector. As the airline industry continues to serve as a crucial link for global trade, tourism, and economic development, ensuring it is accessible and welcoming to all will remain a vital goal for the future.

The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in the Aviation Industry
Diversity and inclusion are essential to the continued success and growth of the aviation industry. As airlines expand globally and offer more routes connecting countries and continents, a diverse workforce becomes increasingly important in addressing the varied needs of passengers from different backgrounds, cultures, and regions. A workforce that reflects this diversity brings valuable perspectives that drive innovation and improve customer service, creating more personalized experiences for travelers.

In addition to enhancing customer service, prioritizing diversity and inclusion helps airlines and aviation companies attract top talent from a global pool. A commitment to inclusion not only strengthens an airline’s reputation but also helps create a positive workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the organization’s success.

For tourists, a more inclusive aviation industry means that they will have access to diverse perspectives, innovative services, and improved communication. As air travel continues to be a key driver of global tourism, efforts to build a more inclusive industry help ensure that travelers from all corners of the globe can enjoy an excellent travel experience.

Nominations and the Future of Diversity in Aviation
The nomination process for the 2026 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards is now open, with the deadline for submissions set for April 5, 2026. These awards will be presented at the IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS), scheduled to take place from June 6-8, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This event will gather global leaders from the aviation industry to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams who have contributed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in aviation.

The winners of the 2026 awards will be recognized for their dedication to creating a more inclusive aviation sector. Their work will inspire others in the industry to take similar actions and contribute to an ongoing, global conversation about the importance of diversity in the aviation industry. These awards serve as a reminder of the critical role that inclusion plays in the continued development and success of air transport, which is vital for global connectivity, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

Impact on Tourism and Travel
As the aviation industry becomes more inclusive, tourists and travelers will benefit from a more responsive and culturally aware workforce. This helps create an environment where travelers feel more comfortable and valued, regardless of their background or nationality. The promotion of diversity also extends to the experiences tourists have, as aviation companies better understand the varied needs of passengers and can provide more tailored and respectful services.