PHL Aviation Chief Atif Saeed Resigns to Lead San Diego International Airport
Atif Saeed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia Department of Aviation, is stepping down after three years to take the helm at San Diego International Airport (SAN). Saeed, who has overseen Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) since December 2022, will officially vacate his post on Friday, February 27, 2026. He is set to assume his new role as President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority in March, succeeding Kimberly Becker, who is retiring after a 40-year career in aviation.
Timing Draws Scrutiny Ahead of Major 2026 Events
While Saeed’s tenure has been marked by post-pandemic recovery efforts, his departure comes at a precarious moment for Philadelphia. The city is bracing for what is projected to be one of its busiest tourism seasons in history, serving as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the focal point of America250, the semiquincentennial celebration of the United States. Critics may view the timing of this leadership vacuum as less than ideal, as the airport is a critical infrastructure component for the influx of millions of global visitors expected later this year. The city must now navigate a leadership transition and a national search for a permanent replacement less than four months before the World Cup kicks off.
Interim Leadership and National Search
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that Tracy S. Borda, the current Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Aviation, will step in as interim CEO effective immediately upon Saeed’s departure. Borda brings 30 years of experience at PHL to the role. The city intends to launch a comprehensive national search to find a permanent successor capable of managing the complex logistical demands of the upcoming international events.
Background on Saeed’s Tenure and Career
Saeed was appointed by former Mayor Jim Kenney and tasked with steering Philadelphia’s airports through the turbulent recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. During his time in Philadelphia, he was recognized for his efforts to diversify the workforce, receiving the 2025 WTS Philadelphia Man of the Year Award for advancing women in transportation leadership. Prior to his time in Philadelphia, Saeed served as the CFO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, and held leadership positions at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
In San Diego, Saeed will inherit an airport that recently completed a massive $3.8 billion Terminal 1 expansion. “I am honored to be selected to serve as the next president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority,” Saeed stated, noting his eagerness to advance the airport’s strategic initiatives.
airportxnews.com
phillyvoice.com
kpbs.org
phl.org
