IATA announces new Director General Saadia Zahidi

IATA have announced Saadia Zahidi, former Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board at the World Economic Forum, as its new Director General.

Succeeding Willie Walsh – concluding his duties on 31 July 2026 – Zahidi will be IATA’s first female DG, bringing extensive experience in global economic trends, innovation, workforce transformation, and collaboration between governments and industry.

Zahidi said her priority will be to “build aviation’s future together”, working with airlines, governments, and industry partners – including airports – to strengthen collaboration and innovation. For airports, Zahidi’s leadership arrives at a time of significant industry change, shaped by technology, geopolitical uncertainty, sustainability commitments, and the need for greater resilience. She has declared her focus to be on airports as “critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity”. Walsh highlighted that Zahidi’s appointment comes at a time when “technology and geopolitics… will reshape the industry”, whilst praising her ability to help guide aviation through future challenges.

Europe’s airports will be watching Zahidi’s leadership closely and look forward to working with IATA on building a more resilient, connected, and sustainable global aviation network.

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