The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Awards.

The Awards recognise excellence in the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry in three categories:

• The Inspirational Role Model Award recognises a woman holding a senior position within the air transport industry who has had substantial impact on diversity and inclusion in aviation through her significant influence at global level.
• The High Flyer Award recognises a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete action in favor of diversity and inclusion, making a positive impact on the industry.
• The Diversity & Inclusion Team Award recognises an airline that has achieved measurable positive change in diversity and inclusion as a result of the work done in this area. Nominations in this category are open to all IATA member airlines.

“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. 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,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Each award includes a $25,000 prize, generously sponsored by Qatar Airways, payable either directly to the recipient or to a charity of their choice supporting diversity and inclusion.

“Diversity is fundamental to aviation and to the way our industry operates every day. Working across cultures and backgrounds is what makes aviation a dynamic and inspiring workplace. As the World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways is proud to be a long-standing partner of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards and recognise the individuals and teams driving progress for our industry’s long‑term success,” said Qatar Airways.

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

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

High Flyer: Katherine Moloney, Founder of Elevate (her) Aviation

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

The winners will be announced at IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) & World Air Transport Summit (WATS) on 6-8 June 2026, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nominations close on 5 April. -TradeArabia News Service