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Saadia Zahidi becomes the first female Director General of International Air Transport Association
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Willie Walsh steps down July 31; Sandrine Le Borgne serves as interim
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Zahidi brings two decades of leadership from the World Economic Forum
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the appointment of Saadia Zahidi as its new Director General, effective November 1, 2026. Zahidi will be the first woman to lead the global airline body, succeeding Willie Walsh, who steps down on July 31.
Until Zahidi assumes office, Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, will serve as interim Director General.
Zahidi currently serves as a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she founded and leads the Centre for the New Economy and Society. She has co-authored influential reports such as the Future of Jobs and Global Gender Gap, and has contributed to global policy discussions on economic empowerment and growth.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone for IATA, which represents over 370 airlines accounting for 85% of global air traffic. Zahidi emphasized aviation’s role as “critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity,” pledging to expand the benefits of connectivity worldwide.
With her extensive background in economics, international policy, and sustainability, Zahidi is expected to guide IATA through a period of transformation, focusing on innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth in the aviation sector.
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