Pakistan-origin Saadia Zahidi named first woman to head IATA

Pakistan-born executive Saadia Zahidi has been appointed as the next Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman to lead the global airline industry body when she assumes office on November 1, 2026.

Zahidi will be IATA’s ninth Director General and will join the aviation organisation from the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she is a Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board.

“The board is very pleased to appoint Saadia Zahidi as Director General of IATA,” said Roberto Alvo, Chair of the IATA Board of Directors and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, in a press statement.

“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,” he added

Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum, where she served as Managing Director and Member of the Managing Board. She founded and currently heads its Centre for the New Economy and Society.

Zahidi founded and co-authored WEF’s Future of Jobs Reports, the Future of Growth Reports, the Global Gender Gap Reports, and Chief Economist Outlooks.

“I am honoured to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry at this pivotal moment,” said Zahidi.

“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,” she added.

Zahidi holds a BA in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute, and an MPA from Harvard University. She holds Swiss and Pakistani nationalities.