Air India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Campbell Wilson has resigned, but will remain with the airline until a replacement is appointed. According to reports, his resignation was accepted at last week’s board meeting. Wilson is expected to remain in his position until September, or until a new CEO is selected, ensuring no operational impact.
According to an ET report, the search for a new CEO began in January, as he had already indicated that he would not continue beyond his five-year contract. Air India is believed to be in advanced discussions with potential candidates, and a key meeting is expected next week. Experienced CEOs from major airlines are reportedly in the running, although their names have not yet been revealed.
According to the report, Air India declined to comment on the matter. This change comes at a time when the Tata Group-owned airline is facing several difficulties. The company is currently grappling with operational issues, rising expenses, and the possibility of significant losses this fiscal year.
According to people familiar with the matter, ongoing tensions in West Asia have led to air route restrictions, forcing the airline to take longer routes and make mid-air refuelling stops. This has significantly increased the cost, especially for international flights.
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In addition to these problems, the situation was further complicated by the June 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI 171. This Boeing Dreamliner aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people on board and on the ground. Reports indicate that the airline’s losses could rise to ₹20,000 crore in fiscal year 2026. Experts say the new CEO should have international experience running a large airline and an understanding of managing low-cost carriers.
The timing of appointing a new CEO may also depend on the final report on the AI 171 accident. While the initial report was released in July 2025, the final report is expected by June 2026. This year, not only Air India but also other airlines have seen leadership changes. Earlier this year, IndiGo also announced the resignation of its CEO due to operational issues.
