Lahore-Born Saadia Zahidi Named First Female IATA Director General

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Lahore-born economist Saadia Zahidi as its next director general, making her the first woman to lead the global airline body.

According to an IATA statement, Zahidi will assume office on November 1, 2026, succeeding Willie Walsh, who will step down on July 31. Sandrine Le Borgne, IATA’s chief financial officer, will serve as acting director general until Zahidi takes over. Zahidi currently serves as managing director at the World Economic Forum (WEF) and becomes IATA’s ninth director general.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University. She is also the author of Fifty Million Rising, a book on the growing role of working women in the Muslim world.

IATA said Zahidi’s extensive leadership experience at the World Economic Forum would strengthen the association and help advance the global airline industry’s priorities. In her acceptance statement, Zahidi said she looks forward to working with member airlines, governments, and industry partners to promote innovation, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable growth in aviation.

She takes over at a challenging time for the aviation industry as airlines face geopolitical and economic pressures, rising fuel costs, and efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Zahidi has previously emphasized the importance of keeping environmental priorities at the forefront despite growing global economic and trade challenges.