IATA Appoints Saadia Zahidi as First Female Director General in Historic Leadership Shift

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Saadia Zahidi as its new Director General, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the global aviation body.

Zahidi will officially assume duties on November 1, succeeding Willie Walsh, who is set to conclude his tenure on July 31, 2026. Following his departure, Walsh will take on a new role as Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo.

Bringing over two decades of experience, Zahidi joins IATA from the World Economic Forum, where she most recently served as Managing Director and a member of the managing board. Her extensive leadership background is expected to play a crucial role in navigating the aviation industry through a rapidly evolving global landscape.

With Zahidi’s appointment, she becomes IATA’s ninth Director General and signals a significant step forward in gender representation within global aviation leadership.

In the interim period between Walsh’s departure and Zahidi’s start date, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Sandrine Le Borgne, will serve as interim Director General.

Commenting on the appointment, Roberto Alvo, Chair of IATA’s Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, highlighted the importance of Zahidi’s leadership at a time of global transformation.

“Saadia’s appointment comes at a moment of significant change in the international environment. Technology and geopolitics, among others, will reshape the industry in the future, and Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently and sustainably,” he said.

Alvo also expressed appreciation for Walsh’s tenure, crediting his leadership in steering the organisation through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her first statement following the announcement, Zahidi emphasized collaboration as a key priority, noting that she looks forward to working closely with the IATA team and the wider aviation industry to build a stronger and more sustainable future for global air travel.