Former British Airways boss to steer airline through next phase of growth
India’s largest airline IndiGo has appointed global aviation veteran William Walsh as its new chief executive officer, weeks after the resignation of former CEO Pieter Elbers following backlash over widespread flight cancellations.
In an official statement, the airline said Walsh — popularly known as Willie — currently serves as Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and previously held top leadership roles at British Airways and International Airlines Group (IAG), the aviation holding company that owns airlines including Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL.
IndiGo chairman welcomes appointment
IndiGo chairman Vikram Singh Mehta described Walsh as a globally respected aviation leader capable of steering the airline through its next phase of growth.
“I am thrilled that Willie will be at the helm of IndiGo. He is an exceptional global aviation leader with a stellar track record across several airlines. His experience in managing large-scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics makes him ideally suited to strengthen and lead IndiGo for continued growth,” Mehta said.
He added that Walsh’s appointment marks a new chapter for IndiGo as it continues expanding in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
Walsh says he is ‘delighted’ to lead IndiGo
Responding to his appointment, Walsh said he was excited to lead the airline and praised its strong foundation and workforce.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead IndiGo. The airline has a strong foundation, a compelling vision and an exceptional reputation. What stands out most to me are its people, their passion, professionalism and commitment,” he said.
Walsh noted that the global aviation sector is undergoing rapid changes and expressed confidence that IndiGo is well positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
“The aviation landscape is evolving rapidly, and IndiGo is extremely well-positioned to be at the forefront of this change,” he added.
The leadership transition follows the resignation of Pieter Elbers, who stepped down 18 months before the end of his term.
Elbers’ exit came amid criticism after a series of flight cancellations in December 2025 disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers across India and international routes.
The appointment of Walsh is expected to stabilise operations and strengthen IndiGo’s leadership as the airline seeks to maintain its dominance in India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.
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