IATA Appoints Saadia Zahidi as Director General Effective 1 November 2026

Global – The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global airline industry trade body headquartered in Geneva, has appointed Saadia Zahidi as its ninth Director General and the first woman to hold the position, effective 1 November 2026. Zahidi joins IATA from the World Economic Forum, where she serves as Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. Willie Walsh, IATA's outgoing Director General, will conclude his duties on 31 July 2026, with Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Sandrine Le Borgne serving as Interim Director General during the intervening period.

Statements

• "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," said Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group.
• "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," said Saadia Zahidi.

About IATA
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the global trade association for the world's airlines, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, representing approximately 300 airlines that collectively account for around 80% of global air traffic. IATA develops industry standards, provides essential services including financial settlement systems, and advocates on behalf of the airline industry with governments and international organisations.

Source: IATA