IATA names Saadia Zahidi as next director general as Willie Walsh prepares to exit
Saadia Zahidi will become IATA’s first woman director general on November 1, 2026. Willie Walsh is due to leave the airline body on July 31, ahead of his reported move as CEO-designate of IndiGo.
What happened
IndiGo · IATA appointed Saadia Zahidi as its next Director General from November 2026. Current chief Willie Walsh will exit IATA in July 2026 and is
Key facts
- Saadia Zahidi will become IATA Director General on November 1, 2026
- Willie Walsh will step down as IATA Director General on July 31, 2026
- IATA represents over 370 airlines across more than 120 countries
- IATA members handle about 85% of global air travel
Why this matters
For airline dealmakers, Walsh’s expected IndiGo role may make the carrier a more consequential counterpart in alliance, fleet, technology and cross-border partnership discussions.