Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG), was appointed chairman of the board of governors of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) from June 2, 2025. Although his appointment was welcomed by many in the industry for his experience and leadership, there have also been some potentially negative or controversial aspects related to this choice. Here are the main points:

Perceived Conflict of Interest

He is the CEO of IAG, the group that controls British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling. His position could raise concerns about a possible excessive influence of a specific group in the strategic decisions of IATA, which should represent the interests of the entire sector, including smaller and low-cost carriers.

Criticism of IAG’s Practices

During the COVID-19 pandemic, IAG (like many other carriers) faced criticism for:

Staff cuts and tougher working conditions.

Management of refunds for cancelled flights.

Aggressive strategic choices for cost reduction.

These episodes could raise doubts about whether Gallego represents an inclusive and sustainable leadership model for the entire industry.

Limited Attention to Sustainability

Although IAG has made public announcements about the green transition (such as the use of SAF – Sustainable Aviation Fuel), some observers believe that concrete actions are still limited. His appointment might be seen as a signal of priorities still oriented towards economic growth rather than environmental sustainability.

Lack of Broader Geographic Representation

Being a European leader, his appointment may be viewed as a continuation of the European and North American dominance in IATA’s top positions. Some critics believe that a figure from regions with strong growth in air transport, such as Asia or Africa, would have been more appropriate for a more balanced representation.