Women in Aviation India, a dynamic movement for the women, by the women, driven by a shared passion to share their valuable insights & experiences and break gender barriers, continue their efforts to create a more inclusive aviation world by empowering the next generation. Our mission resonates with Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, and his powerful belief that ‘When women prosper, the world prospers’ , fuels our ongoing campaign proudly themed ‘Vimanan Ka Gyan, Nari Shakti Ke Naam’ that celebrates and strengthens our resolve.
Women in Aviation India proudly marked the 10th edition of its flagship initiative – Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) with landmark events in Noida and Hyderabad, that kickstarted a nationwide series that aims to reach out to schools & colleges in cities far and wide, creating awareness about career opportunities in aviation, a sector that is dynamically shaping our economy. Started in India in 2016,has grown into a transformative movement. Over the last nine years, more than 30 Indian cities have hosted GIAD programs, impacting the lives of over 50,000 girls from tier1 cities to smaller towns and remote areas, who have hitherto been completely unaware about aviation, airlines and even airports.
With the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, consistently extending its support, GIAD has become an annual platform to address the gender bias that prevails in this industry long dominated by men. Last year, outstanding students who had attended the GIAD 2024 celebrations across various cities were awarded scholarships, and many have now successfully completed aviation training courses and are also on the job.
This year’s GIAD events have an impressive line-up of aviation leaders, professionals, and industry partners who will keenly interact with girl students over engaging, interactive sessions. In Noida, the agenda featured motivational insights from women leaders – including a pilot from Air India, professional trainers, airport operations, PR & HR professionals, who shared their journeys of resilience and success with girls from the NGO, Sai Kripa. In Hyderabad, the program held in partnership with the GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) spotlighted the emerging role of women in the aviation sector, panel discussions on the future of aviation and motivational talks by women who broke barriers in the industry. More than 60 young girls also got an opportunity to tour the GMR Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and the School of Aviation, where they got a sneak peek into aircraft operations and aviation training. The educational & empowering program attempted to alleviate fears and anxieties due to lack of knowledge and information and further help young minds understand the varied career paths thriving in aviation while encouraging them to dream big and pursue their interests. Both events emphasized the importance of skill development, STEM education, and mentorship as critical drivers for closing the gap between education and employability. Students received career guides, signature WAI merchandise, GIAD t-shirts and bags, serving as a reminder that the ‘sky is open’ for them to fly high.
GIAD 2025 takes place against the backdrop of India’s ambitious aviation growth plans. As recently highlighted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Centre envisions developing 350 airports by 2047 as part of its Viksit Bharat vision, more than doubling the current tally of 162. With 88 new airports developed in the last 11 years, including many in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, the demand for a trained, diverse, and gender-inclusive workforce is greater than ever before. GIAD aims to bridge this gap by inspiring girls early, creating awareness of aviation careers, and encouraging them to pursue STEM education. It is also part of a broader Women in Aviation India mission – to change mindsets, overcome inequities, and expand opportunities for women, particularly in regions where education may have has reached, but skilling & training are lacking. We wholeheartedly invite aviation experts, institutions, corporate entities, students, teachers and academic institutions to come together to be a part of this mission.
The 10th anniversary celebrations of GIAD will culminate in December 2025 with the iconic ‘Giving Wings to Dreams Awards’, a national platform to recognize women who have made significant contributions in the field of aviation and have also helped empower other women.
Speaking on the milestone, Radha Bhatia, President, Women in Aviation India said, “In the last decade, we have moved ahead, one determined step at a time and have grown from strength to strength every year. Our work is a testimony of great teamwork by our invaluable members, their unwavering passion and commitment to see women flying high and achieving milestones that once seemed impossible! I am eternally grateful for the constant support of Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu (Hon’ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India), the Secretary, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI and all its affiliated stakeholders.”
“I am also grateful to the schools and colleges who welcomed us warmly to inspire and engage with their students. I am also very grateful to each and every member of Women in Aviation India, who stood by us and worked shoulder to shoulder. Today GIAD celebrations are not just events, they are a movement. We are proud that thousands of young girls across India have now met role models, flown drones, experienced an airport ecosystem and most importantly discovered that aviation is not a distant dream, it is a career within easy reach. Let’s together work towards breaking the barriers and advancing gender parity within the aviation industry. Tomorrow looks bright and promising for our young girls who will be a part of India’s epic growth story,” She added.
With the invaluable support of likeminded partners like Millenium Aero Dynamics, Make My Trip, Bangalore International Airport, GMR Hyderabad International Airport, Blue Dart Aviation and TravTalk and the constant support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, the banner of Girls in Aviation Day will fly across more than 15 cities this year!
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