Saadia Zahidi named IATA's first female director general

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named Saadia Zahidi as its next director general, making her the first woman to lead the global airline trade association.

Zahidi was appointed by IATA's Board of Directors and will officially assume the role on Nov. 1, 2026. She becomes the organization's ninth director general, joining from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she currently serves as Managing Director and a member of the Managing Board.

The leadership transition follows the departure of current Director General Willie Walsh, whose term concludes on July 31, 2026. During the three-month gap before Zahidi takes office, Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA's chief financial officer and senior vice-president for corporate services, will serve as interim director general.

Announcing the appointment, Roberto Alvo, chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, said Zahidi's experience comes at a critical time for the aviation sector.

"The Board is very pleased to appoint Saadia Zahidi as Director General of IATA. Saadia’s long and outstanding experience at the World Economic Forum will enhance and strengthen IATA 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,” Alvo stated.

“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.”

“She’ll bring a fresh perspective to IATA that will grow its support for the airline industry on the foundations of IATA’s well-established technical, financial, and data capabilities."

Alvo also paid tribute to Walsh's tenure at the helm of the association.

"I thank Willie for his outstanding leadership that helped IATA emerge from the COVID years stronger and with a more representative membership than ever. We now look forward to Saadia taking IATA’s work to even greater heights."

For her part, Zahidi said she is looking forward to working with airlines, governments and industry partners as aviation continues to evolve.

"I am honored to help advance IATA's mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment,” she stated.

“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."

"I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments, and the ecosystem of partners to build on IATA’s remarkable foundation, ensuring aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience, and advancing sustainable growth.”

Together, we can expand the benefits of connectivity to more people and economies around the world. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and with the industry to build aviation’s future together."

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