Aviation industry veteran William “Willie” Walsh has assumed charge as Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, succeeding Pieter Elbers and ending the interim leadership arrangement under Managing Director Rahul Bhatia.
IndiGo’s board appointed Walsh on March 31, subject to regulatory approvals, and said he would join the airline no later than August 3 after completing his tenure as Director General of the International Air Transport Association on July 31.
Walsh brings more than four decades of aviation experience spanning airline operations, strategy, business transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and international aviation policy.
Before leading IATA, he served as Chief Executive Officer of International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, Iberia and other carriers. He previously headed British Airways and Irish airline Aer Lingus.
Walsh began his aviation career as a pilot with Aer Lingus in 1979. He later moved into management roles and eventually became the airline’s chief executive. During his subsequent tenure at British Airways, he led the carrier through a period of restructuring and later oversaw its combination with Iberia to create International Airlines Group.
He now takes charge of IndiGo as the carrier works to expand its international network while maintaining its position in India’s domestic aviation market. The company is adding longer-range aircraft and developing operations across international routes as part of its next phase of growth.
Walsh succeeds Pieter Elbers, who stepped down as CEO in March 2026. Following Elbers’ departure, IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia assumed responsibility for managing the airline during the leadership transition.
As CEO, Walsh will oversee IndiGo’s overall management and strategic direction. His responsibilities will include strengthening operational performance, developing the airline’s network and commercial strategy, and supporting improvements in customer experience.
IndiGo, operated by InterGlobe Aviation Limited, is India’s largest airline by domestic passenger market share. The carrier operates a predominantly Airbus fleet across domestic and international destinations.
