Women in Aviation: Celebrating Their Journey This International Women’s Day 2025

Picture credits: Women in Aviation International

This Women’s Day, under the theme “Accelerate Action,” we recognize the contributions of women in aviation. From the early pioneers who defied barriers to today’s pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and executives, women have played vital roles in shaping the industry.

Early Contributions and Milestones

Women have been involved in aviation since its early years, overcoming barriers to establish themselves in the field. In 1910, Raymonde de Laroche became the first woman in the world to earn a pilot’s license. In 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot’s license, as racial and gender discrimination prevented her from training in the United States, leading her to earn her license in France.

Elinor Smith became the world’s youngest licensed pilot at 16 and went on to set multiple aviation records, including solo endurance and speed records. She was the first woman test pilot for Fairchild and Bellanca and was named the best woman pilot in the U.S. in 1930.

Raymonde de Laroche & Sarla Thakral – Picture credits: Wikipedia

In 1936, Sarla Thakral became India’s first woman pilot at the age of 21, setting an early example for women in the country. During World War II, women played critical roles in aviation. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program in the United States trained female pilots to fly military aircraft, though they were not given official recognition at the time. In the Soviet Union, the Night Witches, an all-female bomber regiment, carried out daring night raids against German forces.

India has one of the highest percentages of female pilots in the world. As of 2023, women make up around 15% of pilots in India’s scheduled airlines, compared to the global average of 5%. There has also been a 22% increase in the issuance of commercial pilot licenses in India, with 18.1% of them granted to women. This growth highlights the increasing participation of women in the Indian aviation sector.

In 1956, Durba Banerjee became the first woman commercial pilot for Indian Airlines, paving the way for future female aviators. In 2016, Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh became India’s first female fighter pilots. Their induction into combat roles marked a significant milestone in the Indian Air Force.

Women in Indian aviation have also achieved remarkable records. Captain Zoya Agarwal commanded Air India’s longest commercial flight, an all-women crewed journey from San Francisco to Bengaluru, which flew over the North Pole. Captain Nivedita Bhasin became one of the youngest commanders of a jet aircraft at 26 years old. Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay was the first woman in the Indian Air Force to be promoted to the rank of Air Marshal.

Global Achievements and Representation

Several countries have taken steps to increase female representation in aviation. Kazakhstan employs over 9,500 women in aviation, including 34 female pilots. In early March, Qantas and Jetstar Airways were operating 50 flights entirely with female crews, including pilots, engineers, and airport staff.

Recently, Gökçe Kübra Yıldırım became the first Turkish woman to captain the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft. Her aviation career began with an internship at Turkish Airlines’ maintenance subsidiary, THY Teknik. She later worked as a first officer in the airline’s Airbus fleet before moving to a Dubai-based airline, where she continued flying the A380.

Gökçe Kübra Yıldırım – Picture credits: X @gusholderhaber

Women have also made significant contributions in space exploration. In 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel solo to space. More recently, Nicole Mann became the first Native American woman in space as commander of NASA’s Crew-5 mission.

Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission, scheduled for spring 2025, was announced as the first all-female spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova. The crew includes Katy Perry, Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez.

Challenges Faced by Women in Aviation

Despite progress, women in aviation continue to face challenges. Gender stereotypes remain a barrier, discouraging young girls from pursuing careers in the field. While more women are becoming pilots, they are underrepresented in leadership roles, with less than 10 percent holding executive positions in the industry.

Work-life balance is another concern, particularly in professions that require long hours and frequent travel. The high cost of training remains a challenge, as becoming a pilot can cost over $100,000. Some airlines still lack proper maternity leave policies, and workplace discrimination and harassment persist in some areas.

Efforts to Promote Inclusivity

Organizations and governments have launched initiatives to address these challenges. Scholarships and financial support programs, such as those offered by Women in Aviation International (WAI) and the International Society of Women Airline Pilots (ISA+21), provide funding for aspiring female aviators.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have also introduced measures to increase female representation in leadership roles. These efforts, along with industry networking events, mentorship programs, and advocacy groups, are helping more women establish themselves in aviation.

Initiatives such as the International Air Transport Association’s “25 by 2025” aim to increase female leadership in aviation. Airlines and aerospace companies have introduced recruitment and mentorship programs to encourage more women to enter the field. Some airlines have improved maternity leave policies and adopted stricter measures against workplace discrimination.

The Future of Women in Aviation

Women have been part of aviation for more than a century, and their presence in the industry continues to grow. The number of female pilots, engineers, and executives is increasing, and efforts are being made to improve policies and opportunities. More financial and mentorship support is available, and outreach programs are encouraging young girls to consider careers in aviation. As more steps are taken to address challenges, the industry is moving toward greater gender inclusivity.

Stay tuned to Aviation Today for more aviation-related updates.