Nearly 35,000 Girls, 200 Events: International Girls in Aviation Day Returns September 19

Nearly 35,000 Girls, 200 Events: International Girls in Aviation Day Returns September 19 

Women in Aviation International’s 12th Annual program set to launch  

September 14, 2026 — Women in Aviation International (WAI) is counting down to its 12th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) on September 19, 2026. A total of 200 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with more than 34,500 attendees expected to take part. Of these events, 70 are planned in international locations representing 27 countries, and 131 are planned in the U.S. and U.S. Territories. 

Girls in Aviation Day is part of a multi-faceted international youth program designed by WAI to spark interest in aviation and aerospace careers among girls and young women around the world. Attendees will meet female role models, hear from career panels, and tour airplanes and airports — introducing them to the full range of career and lifestyle possibilities in aviation and aerospace. 

Hands-on activities planned for this year's events include a sectional chart scavenger hunt, flight planning, building a tailwheel airplane, inflight safety briefing, and learning about aircraft engines and avionics alongside maintenance technicians. 

“Every year, Girls in Aviation Day opens more doors and sparks more curiosity in the next generation of aviators,” says WAI CEO Lynda Coffman. “We're grateful to our chapters, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters whose generosity makes this program possible, and we can't wait to welcome thousands of new participants into the aviation community this September.” 

About Girls in Aviation Day: Since WAI's first annual international Girls in Aviation Day in 2015, the event has grown every year from its inaugural gathering of 32 events and 3,200 participants. Last year's GIAD reached more than 40,000 participants across 200 events in 34 countries. 

Many thanks to our 2026 Girls in Aviation Day supporters, without whom this education program would not be possible. Our supporters include WAI Strategic Partners Amazon, American Airlines, and United; Aim High Flight Academy; Emanuel Bachmann Foundation; ISTAT Foundation; JCL Aviation Services; Sheltair; and Sporty's Pilot Shop. 

Event hosts: GIAD2026 resources are available now to help chapters and corporate members plan and promote their local events.