Hyderabad: The aviation industry has opened up massive opportunities for women, with their growing presence clearly visible, experts and panellists said at a roundtable, ‘Women in Aviation’, held on Day 1 of Wings India 2026, on Wednesday.Highlighting the progress made so far, panellists noted that women now constitute around 15% of pilots in the country, a figure that reflects the steady shift towards gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated sector.Usha Padhee, principal secretary (urban development), Odisha, said encouraging women to enter the aviation industry at an early age could be a game-changer, as it would not only create a stronger talent pipeline but also inspire more young women to consider careers in aviation. “When girls see women pilots, engineers and aviation professionals early in life, it motivates many more to join the sector,” she said.Another panellist, chief scientist at National Aerospace Laboratories, suggested introducing aviation-focused modules in school curricula. “Simple exposure, such as showcasing aircraft models and explaining how planes fly, can spark curiosity and long-term interest among young girls,” she said.Panellists stressed that while participation is rising, sustained progress will require structured mentorship programmes, targeted outreach and institutional support. These measures, they said, are essential to ensure women’s long-term growth across aviation roles, including pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers and leadership positions.
