Women in Aviation International (WAI) is counting down to its 12th Annual International Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD), which will be held Sept. 19, 2026, around the world.
According to officials, 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.
During Girls in Aviation Day, those attending events 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, according to WAI officials.
Hands-on activities planned for this year’s events include a sectional chart scavenger hunt, flight planning, building a tailwheel airplane, inflight safety briefings, 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.”
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. In 2025, GIAD reached more than 40,000 participants across 200 events in 34 countries.
To find an event near you, go to WAI’s list of events.
For more information: WAI.org
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