Nominations are now open for the 2026 edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Awards, which recognise individuals and airlines advancing diversity across the global aviation sector.

The annual awards highlight excellence in promoting inclusive workplaces and leadership within air transport, with a focus on measurable impact and long-term cultural change.

Three categories are open for nominations – the Inspirational Role Model Award, the High Flyer Award, and the Diversity & Inclusion Team Award.

The Inspirational Role Model Award recognises a woman in a senior air transport position who has had a substantial global impact on D&I through her influence and leadership.

The High Flyer Award honours a female aviation professional under the age of 40 who has demonstrated leadership through concrete action in support of D&I, making a positive contribution to the industry.

The Diversity & Inclusion Team Award recognises an airline that has achieved measurable positive change in D&I as a result of dedicated initiatives. This category is open to all IATA member airlines.

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, said: “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.”

Each award includes a USD 25,000 prize, generously sponsored by long-standing partner Qatar Airways, payable either directly to the recipient or to a charity of their choice supporting D&I.

A spokesman from Qatar Airways said: “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.”

An independent judging panel will evaluate the nominations which close on April 5. The winners to be announced at IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) & World Air Transport Summit (WATS) on June 6-8, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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