Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo has named William Walsh, the current director general of the International Air Transport Association and former chief of the British Airways, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on Tuesday, March 31.
William Walsh’s tenure as head of the global airline industry body comes to a close on July 31, and he is expected to join IndiGo no later than August 3, the airline said in a statement.
The development comes just days after Pieter Elbers resigned from his position, following airline’s worst-ever flight crisis in December 2025.
Welcoming William Walsh, IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta said, “I am thrilled that Willie will be at helm of IndiGo. He is an exceptional global aviation leader with a stellar track record of outstanding leadership across several airlines. His experience in managing large scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics make him ideally suited to strengthen and lead IndiGo for continued growth in an ever evolving and competitive international aviation environment.”
“His appointment will mark a new chapter for IndiGo, as it continues its journey in one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.”
Who is William Walsh?
William Walsh is currently the Director General of IATA (International Air Transport Association). He has also served as the CEO of British Airways and IAG (International Airlines Group, a holding company which owns Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level and Vueling).
IndiGo, in a statement, said, “William Walsh is widely considered as one of the most successful, respected, influential and long-lasting leaders in modern aviation history. He is admired for his pragmatic and resolute management, effective complex restructuring, and successful mergers and acquisitions.”
Willie Walsh has also been a pilot, before he took on the role of a COO and later CEO of Aer Lingus from 2000 to 2005. In 2005, Walsh became the CEO of British Airways untill 2011. For next nine years, Walsh was the CEO of IAG and since then, the Director General of IATA.
In his new role as IndiGo’s CEO, “Walsh will be responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the airline with a focus on transformational initiatives to strengthen the operational performance, advance the Company’s network and commercial strategy while enhancing customer experience,” IndiGo said.
Walsh is also expected to work closely with the Board and the leadership team to “rightfully position IndiGo as it scales up to the next phase of its growth.”
