NEW DELHI: Air India Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Campbell Wilson has resigned, a source familiar with the matter confirmed on Tuesday. The move comes as the airline faces persistent financial losses and mounting regulatory scrutiny following last year’s tragic crash that killed 260 people.
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Wilson, a New Zealand-born aviation veteran previously with Singapore Airlines, was brought in during 2022 to lead the airline’s turnaround after years of decline under government ownership. His resignation arrives shortly after rival carrier IndiGo appointed aviation veteran Willie Walsh as CEO, heightening pressure on India’s two largest carriers to navigate industry challenges worsened by the Middle East conflict and domestic operational issues.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has given notice of his resignation from the Tata Group-owned carrier, according to a local media report https://t.co/GnFf9GnsOS
— Bloomberg (@business) April 6, 2026
Air India has contended with delays in aircraft deliveries and regulatory reprimands for safety lapses, including operating planes without valid airworthiness certificates and failing to check emergency equipment. Wilson’s term was originally set to run until 2027, and he is expected to remain on a six-month notice period until a successor is appointed.
Since 2022, Wilson oversaw key aspects of the airline’s recovery, including revamping its engineering department and refurbishing aircraft amid supply chain disruptions. Brendan Sobie, a Singapore-based aviation analyst, noted, “Over the last four years, Campbell did a good job in very tough circumstances. Finding the right candidate to complete Air India’s transformation will not be easy.”
Air India, chaired by N. Chandrasekaran, currently operates a fleet of 191 aircraft and has orders for over 500 more. Despite being acquired by the Tata Group in 2022, the airline has continued to report losses, including a combined 98.08 billion Indian rupees ($1.05 billion) in the 2024–2025 financial year with its low-cost carrier, Air India Express.
Read More: Air India hit hard by Pakistan’s airspace ban, says CEO
Industry experts warn that ongoing regional conflicts and Pakistan’s airspace restrictions will further strain Air India’s international routes, making the appointment of a new CEO a critical priority for the airline’s recovery.