A system includes an inlet duct disposed about an inlet axis, wherein the inlet duct is configured to direct an airflow along the inlet axis to a compressor inlet. The inlet includes an inlet heating system and a heating portion having a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the inlet axis. The inlet heating system includes a first conduit substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis that is configured to distribute a heated fluid directly to the airflow via a first set of openings of a first end zone of the first conduit and a second set of openings of a second zone of the first conduit. The first end zone is configured to receive the heated fluid from a heating source, the second zone is coupled to the first end zone, and the second zone is configured to receive the heated fluid from the first end zone.