Wings at Cannes: Kanika Tekriwal becomes first Indian Woman in Aviation on the Red Carpet

Founder and CEO of JetSetGo, Kanika Tekriwal, made history by becoming the first Indian woman from the aviation industry to walk the Cannes Film Festival red carpet

This moment is not just about personal success but it represents how Indian entrepreneurs, especially women, are gradually shaping global conversations and breaking into spaces once considered out of reach.

She was also invited to be part of the prestigious panel discussion titled “Voices of Influence: Craft, Creativity & Cultural Presence.” The panel brought together women who are redefining India’s global identity through cinema, fashion, aviation, and digital media. Through their personal vision and public impact, these voices are reshaping how Indian creativity, ambition, and cultural presence are viewed around the world. Representing aviation among this diverse group, Kanika underscored how innovation and leadership in the sector can contribute meaningfully to this narrative.

For someone who started a company in an industry dominated by big players, overcoming skepticism and countless challenges was a daily reality. Facing a cancer diagnosis at just 21, Kanika could have chosen any path. Instead, she chose to fight, not just for her health, but to create a company that would redefine luxury travel in India.

Walking that red carpet was a quiet celebration of every struggle, every doubt, and every moment she pushed forward when the odds seemed overwhelming. It was a reminder that building something meaningful takes more than luck. It takes resilience, vision, and a willingness to keep going even when the road is tough.

“At Cannes, I felt a deep sense of both humility and purpose,” Kanika Tekriwal, CEO and Co-Founder of JetSetGo, shared. “This moment isn’t just mine. It’s for every woman, every entrepreneur, and every young person who’s been told they don’t belong in certain rooms. It’s proof that with persistence, those rooms can open.”

But Kanika Tekriwal’s story is about more than breaking barriers. Her time at Cannes was also about pushing important conversations forward, especially around the future of aviation. JetSetGo is leading the way with electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, working toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for travel. Kanika’s vision is clear: to build an Indian aviation brand that’s innovative, responsible, and ready for what’s next.

Her presence at this global cultural event sends a simple but powerful message – Indian startups are no longer just local players; they are increasingly shaping industries on the world stage.

For entrepreneurs and dreamers everywhere, Kanika’s journey serves as a reminder that with hard work and belief, you can create change and be part of something bigger.