Seasoned aviation heavyweight Willie Walsh has begun his first day as the new CEO at IndiGo, almost six years after he led British Airways and Iberia owner International Airlines Group (IAG).
On August 3, 2026, India’s largest airline issued a statement welcoming Walsh to the fold after first announcing he was joining IndiGo in March 2026.
Walsh said that as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, India offered IndiGo “immense” opportunities ahead.
“IndiGo has built a remarkable legacy over the last two decades, establishing itself amongst the largest airlines in the world in a short span of time,” Walsh said. ” There could not be a more exciting and opportune time for me to join IndiGo than now.”
Walsh joins IndiGo after a testing year that saw the previous CEO Pieter Elbers depart following the cancellation of thousands of flights over several days in December 2025.
Central to the problems were new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules recently introduced by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
IndiGo will be hoping that Walsh’s vast experience and knowledge will drive the airline through its next period of growth.
“As IndiGo enters its third decade and stands poised for the next phase of its growth, I am delighted to officially welcome Willie as the airline’s CEO,” said Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director, IndiGo. “His extensive global experience in the aviation industry, combined with his operational and strategic expertise, will be instrumental as IndiGo accelerates its international expansion strategy.”
Walsh was initially a pilot at Aer Lingus before climbing the ranks and becoming the CEO of the airline in 2001.
Between 2005 and 2011 he was the CEO of British Airways and then IAG between 2011 and 2020. For the last five years he held the position of Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“As CEO, Walsh will lead the airline’s overall management and strategic direction, with a focus on accelerating its global growth trajectory, driving operational excellence, strengthening network and commercial strategy, and further enhancing customer experience,” IndiGo added.