Inspiring the Next Generation: 12th Annual Girls in Aviation Day 2026
On the horizon is a remarkable global event set for Saturday, September 19, 2026. Aviation organizations worldwide are preparing to open their hangar doors for the 12th Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD), the flagship youth outreach initiative of Women in Aviation International (WAI).
This year’s GIAD is set to be the largest in its history, with over 200 events worldwide. Hosted by WAI chapters and corporate members across every continent, this free program targets youth aged 8 to 18. It offers a range of engaging activities, including:
- Hands-on STEAM activities
- Aircraft walk-arounds
- Flight simulator sessions
- Panel discussions featuring female pilots, engineers, and aerospace executives
Among the notable events are sessions at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston (registration already full), an event hosted by Purdue University’s WAI chapter at the Niswonger Aviation Technology Building in West Lafayette, Indiana, and a celebration at the Delta Air Lines Hangar at Salt Lake City International Airport. International events are also unfolding at venues including the Shannon Aviation Museum in Ireland and multiple Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campuses in Japan.
Since its inception in 2015, GIAD has evolved from a modest event with just 32 events and 3,200 participants into a global movement. Attendance is completely free at most venues, though pre-registration is required. Families can locate their nearest event through the interactive map at wai.org/giad.
Source: The Drone Girl – Girls in Aviation Day 2026: How to Get Involved