IndiGo names veteran William Walsh CEO after flight cancellations crisis

Walsh, who is expected to join no later than August 3 after his IATA tenure concludes on July 31, brings to IndiGo a career that spans the cockpit and the boardroom. He began as a pilot, rose to lead Ireland’s Aer Lingus, then served as chief executive of British Airways from 2005 to 2011, before spending nearly a decade as CEO of International Airlines Group — the holding company that owns British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling — making him one of the architects of modern European aviation consolidation. His appointment is subject to regulatory approvals.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead IndiGo,” Walsh said in a statement by the airline. “What stands out most to me are its people, their passion, professionalism and commitment.”

The appointment arrives at a fraught moment for India’s largest airline. In December 2025, IndiGo cancelled at least 5,500 flights over roughly a week after it failed to implement revised flight duty time limitation norms — rules governing mandatory rest periods for pilots and crew — despite having had nearly two years to prepare.