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IATA Appoints Zahidi as Next Director General

[ July 24, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

The International Air Transport Association has appointed Saadia Zahidi as its next director general, effective Nov. 1, making her the first woman to lead the global airline trade association.

Zahidi joins IATA after more than two decades with the World Economic Forum, where she serves as managing director and a member of the organization’s managing board. She succeeds Willie Walsh, who will step down July 31 after leading the association through the airline industry’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the interim period, IATA Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Sandrine Le Borgne will serve as interim director general.

IATA Board Chair Roberto Alvo, who is also CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, said Zahidi’s experience in technology, economics and global policy would help the association navigate a period of geopolitical and technological change affecting the aviation sector.

Zahidi said her priorities will include working with member airlines, governments and industry partners to strengthen aviation’s resilience, support innovation and advance sustainable growth while expanding global connectivity.

Tags: International Air Transport Association