Mark your calendars, as the 12th annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) is coming up on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) chapters and corporate members across the globe, the annual celebration introduces youth ages 8 to 18 (and their chaperones) to the world of aviation and aerospace through hands-on STEAM activities, aircraft walk-arounds, flight simulators and panels featuring female industry leaders.
It’s not solely a drone event (though there are plenty of drone ties). Whether your child dreams of flying a commercial airliner, engineering spacecraft or being a Drone Girl herself, Girls in Aviation Day is a welcoming, cost-free environment where young people can experience firsthand.
Global events: From Nigeria to New York
GIAD has grown into a massive international movement. While the main event takes place on the third Saturday of September, chapters are host celebrations over the next few months.
Here is just a small sample of the dozens of events taking place around the world (though check the event website as there are many, many more in so many countries):
- International Hubs:
- The Bahamas: WAI Bahamas Chapter is hosting an event at Jet Nassau on September 19.
- Nigeria: WAI Nigeria Chapter is running activations across multiple airports on September 19, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
- South Africa: WAI Mzansi Chapter hosts an event at 43 Airschool in Port Alfred on September 19.
- Australia: WAI Australia Chapter is hosting an event at Essendon Fields Airport in Victoria on September 19.
- United States Highlights:
- California: Joby Aviation is hosting a GIAD event at Marina Municipal Airport on September 19, while the WAI Greater Los Angeles Chapter takes over Clay Lacy at Van Nuys Airport.
- New York: The WAI Soaring Capital Eagles Chapter meets at Million Air in Syracuse on September 19, while the Port Authority of NY & NJ hosts an event at JFK International Airport on October 3.
- Texas: WAI Houston Chapter hosts an event at Chennault Aviation Academy in Conroe on September 19, and the Lone Star Flight Museum hosts an interactive day in Houston.
- Utah: WAI Great Salt Lake Chapter takes over the Delta Air Lines Hangar at Salt Lake City International Airport on September 19.
Attendance at GIAD events is completely free (though pre-registration is required for many venues due to space limits). Families can find their nearest local gathering using the interactive map on the Aviation for Girls app or by checking the events directory at wai.org/giad.
Does WAI include drones?
Sure, WAI’s roots lie in traditional crewed aviation. However, the organization has recognized early on that drones represent one of the fastest-growing sectors in aerospace.
Nearly a decade ago, WAI formally reached out to the remote pilot community by partnering with Women and Drones, a global organization founded by CEO Sharon Rossmark to raise the profile and visibility of female drone operators. Through strategic partnerships, advisory board crossovers and discounted memberships for remote pilots, WAI opened its doors wide to commercial drone operators and agricultural, mapping and photography specialists.
“Drones are an important, emerging segment of our industry,” Dr. Peggy Chabrian, now-former WAI President said in a statement prepared way back in 2017. “We welcome women from all aspects of aviation and look forward to a meaningful exchange of expertise and information with them.”
Today, remote piloting and autonomous systems are standard features across WAI’s educational programming. For example, at manny Girls in Aviation Day events worldwide, young attendees get to learn about flight controller coding, practice maneuvering micro-drones through obstacle courses and discover careers in aerial mapping and drone delivery.
How to get involved in GIAD 2026
If you want to introduce a young person in your life to the world of aviation:
- Find a local event: Visit wai.org/giad to register for a local chapter event near you.
- Download the app: Get the free Aviation for Girls app for year-round access to STEM activities, e-learning videos and scholarship information.
- Join as a Member: Youth ages 5 to 15 can join WAI for free as WAI Junior Members, while high school and college students can access mentorship networks and flight scholarships through student memberships.
Are you planning to attend a Girls in Aviation Day event in your city this year? Let us know in the comments below!
The post Girls in Aviation Day 2026 set for Sept. 19: How to get involved appeared first on The Drone Girl.