What percentage of pilots are female in the UK?

Data published by the International Society of Women Pilots (ISWAP) put the global share at 5.2% in 2018 and 5.8% in 2021. In the UK the share increased from 4.3% in 2016 to 4.9% in 2021 (source: CAA), while the figure for the US increased from 4.4% in 2017 to 4.9% in 2022.



In the United Kingdom, approximately 5% to 7% of commercial pilots are female, a figure that has remained stubbornly low despite numerous industry-wide recruitment initiatives. While the UK is slightly ahead of the global average, the gender gap remains significant due to historical stereotypes, the high cost of training, and perceived challenges regarding work-life balance in long-haul aviation. In 2026, airlines like British Airways and EasyJet have intensified their "outreach programs" to encourage more women to enter flight school, offering specialized scholarships and mentorship. The percentage of female student pilots is currently higher, around 12%, suggesting that the total percentage of female captains and first officers will gradually increase over the next decade as these students progress through their 1,500-hour flight requirements and enter the flight decks of major UK-based carriers.

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India has the highest number of female pilots in the world. They comprise 12.4% of pilots in major airlines. No other country has ever surpassed the mark of 10%. India has more than 1,200 female pilots.

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144 female pilots and 287 male pilots aged between 40 and 63 were involved in the study, which found that male pilots are more likely to experience mechanical failure, run out of fuel and land the plane with the landing gear up, while females are more likely to stall.

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The USA is one of the top countries for flight training. It is home to some of the world's oldest and most reputed universities and training institutions. It is also globally acknowledged for its flight education curriculum.

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From the percentage of female Flight Crew to our 30-year track record of recruiting female pilots, our commitment to gender balance is evident in all that we do. At British Airways, we encourage and support all our colleagues in their careers each and every day. If you are a woman, why not join them?

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FLYING BY THE NUMBERS The odds are, most pilots will have a normal flight as most women will have a normal pregnancy. But if safety is the prime objective the pregnant pilot should honestly consider both FAR 61.53 and their fitness/functionality for events such as extreme turbulence or a crash.

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Can pilot couples fly together? Yes, the airlines know they have married couples in their cockpits and they're okay with it.

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Yes, the airlines know they have married couples in their cockpits and they're okay with it. I'm sure there are a handful flying together at each of the majors. No one else wastes time thinking about it. There is no glass ceiling; pilot pay is transparent and based solely on seniority.

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In fact, some studies show that female pilots are generally less risk-taking, and thus arguably safer compared to male pilots. Either way, there is no evidence indicating that female pilots are inferior in any way.

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