The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named Saadia Zahidi as its new Director General, effective from 1 November 2026.
The decision by the IATA Board of Directors makes Zahidi the ninth Director General in the organisation’s history and the first woman to lead the body. She moves to the airline trade association from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she currently works as a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board.
Outgoing Director General Willie Walsh will wrap up his duties on 31 July 2026. Sandrine Le Borgne, who serves as IATA’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, will take over 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: “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. 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.”
“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,” he added.
Zahidi brings over two decades of experience from her time at the WEF, where she established and manages the Centre for the New Economy and Society. Her previous roles at the WEF include leading the Global Communications Group and Global Programming Group. She also created reports on future jobs, growth, and gender equality.
Saadia Zahidi said: “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.”
“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,” she added.
Zahidi holds Swiss and Pakistani dual nationality and earned degrees from Smith College, The Graduate Institute, and Harvard University.
