Saadia Zahidi to Lead IATA as First Female Director General

Zahidi succeeds Willie Walsh, who concludes his tenure on July 31, 2026. During the three-month gap, the association’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Sandrine Le Borgne, will oversee operations as Interim Director General. The transition arrives during a period of intense pressure for the aviation sector, which must navigate complex shifts in geopolitics, sustainability mandates, and rapid technological adoption.

IATA Board Chair Roberto Alvo noted that Zahidi’s deep experience in international economic policy positions her to effectively advocate for the industry. Her mandate will focus on reinforcing aviation’s role as critical infrastructure, while simultaneously addressing the sector's environmental footprint and structural resilience. Zahidi intends to prioritize collaborative innovation and the maintenance of global standards to ensure air connectivity remains a reliable engine for international trade and economic growth.