Walsh announced in March he would delay his retirement to oversee British Airways parent IAG’s response to the coronavirus crisis.

He will be succeeded by Luis Gallego, chief executive of IAG carrier Iberia, on 24 September.

IAG chair Antonio Vazquez said: "We announced in March Willie would delay his retirement for a short period.

"We can confirm today [Thursday 7 May] that Luis Gallego will take over the leadership on 24 September, the expected date for IAG’s AGM, when Willie will step down as chief executive."

Vazquez continued: "We are grateful Willie delayed his retirement at this challenging time providing the airlines’ management with the necessary stability to focus on the immediate response to the crisis.

"We look forward to working closely with Luis in his new role."

In March, IAG confirmed that owing to the "exceptional circumstances" facing aviation due to Covid-19, Gallego would lead IAG’s response in Spain, with Walsh remaining in place as group chief executive and Vueling chief Javier Sanchez-Prieto also remaining in his role.