The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Saadia Zahidi as its next Director General, effective 1 November 2026. Zahidi will become the ninth Director General in the association’s history and the first woman to lead the global airline body.
Zahidi joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she serves as Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. She succeeds Willie Walsh, who will step down as Director General on 31 July 2026 after leading the organisation through the post-pandemic recovery period.
During the transition, IATA’s CFO and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Sandrine Le Borgne, will serve as Interim Director General until Zahidi assumes the role.
Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, said Zahidi’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the aviation industry as it navigates technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and sustainability challenges.
“The Board is very pleased to appoint Saadia Zahidi as Director General of IATA. Saadia’s extensive experience at the World Economic Forum will strengthen IATA‘s role as the voice of the world’s airlines. Global air transport is a trillion-dollar industry that has and continues to change the world for the better. 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. Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably,” Alvo said.
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He also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Director General Willie Walsh, noting that his leadership helped strengthen IATA’s membership and position following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commenting on her appointment, Zahidi said she was honoured to lead the organisation during a transformative period for global aviation.
“I am honored to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment. Aviation is critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in bringing the industry together to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services, and advocacy has never been more important,” she said.
Zahidi added that her priorities will include working closely with airlines, governments, and industry partners to strengthen resilience, accelerate innovation, and advance sustainable growth while expanding the benefits of global air connectivity.
