Saadia Zahidi has begun her term as Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman to lead the global airline trade body. Her appointment took effect on November 1, 2026.

IATA's Board of Directors announced the appointment on July 23. Zahidi is the association's ninth Director General and the first woman to hold the post since IATA's formation in 1945. IATA represents about 350 airlines.

She succeeds Willie Walsh, who concluded his duties on July 31. IATA's Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, Sandrine Le Borgne, served as Interim Director General until Zahidi took office.

Zahidi joins IATA after more than two decades at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she was a Managing Director and a member of the Managing Board. At the WEF she founded and led the Centre for the New Economy and Society.

IATA Board Chair Roberto Alvo, who is also chief executive of LATAM Airlines Group, said at the time of the appointment that her WEF experience would strengthen IATA as "the voice of the world's airlines." He also thanked Walsh for leading IATA out of the Covid years.

Zahidi said her top priority would be working with the IATA team and the industry to "build aviation's future together."

“I’m excited to be starting my journey with IATA and its members. It’s been a busy first day here, getting to know the key members of the team and the major issues ahead of us. I believe in the power of aviation to bind the world together and drive growth and prosperity to every part of our interconnected planet," she said. 

IATA has said she takes over as the industry faces technological, geopolitical, and sustainability challenges.

Source: IATA/Travel Daily News/Arab News/Bernama