IndiGo announces William Walsh as new CEO:Another foreigner climbs at the helm of an Indian airline

The Board of IndiGo has announced the appointment of William Walsh as the airline’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Who is the new CEO? Walsh is the former British Airways chief. He is an airline industry veteran and currently the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Walsh, popularly known as Willie, was formerly CEO of British Airways and IAG (International Airlines Group, a holding company, which owns Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Level and Vueling). As we enter a new phase of transformation and growth, I am delighted to welcome Willie to IndiGo. He is an iconic and accomplished aviation leader, and brings a rare combination of global perspective, operational expertise of having built strong customer-focused airlines, deep industry experience and a values-driven leadership, making him exceptionally suited to lead IndiGo at this pivotal cusp of growth. -IndiGo MD Rahul Bhatia said to ANI The previous CEO of India’s largest airline, Pieter Elbers, had resigned from his position on March 10 2026. Following his departure, the airline’s co-founder and managing director (MD) Rahul Bhatia had taken charge of the company’s operations on an interim basis. IndiGo had then said the Board of Directors accepted Elbers’ resignation at its meeting and he had been relieved of his duties. Why IndiGo’s former CEO resigned? In his resignation letter addressed to Rahul Bhatia, Elbers had cited personal reasons for stepping down and requested the company to waive his notice period so that he could be relieved immediately. 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. -Vikram Singh Mehta, IndiGo’s chairman