Following four challenging years leading one of the world's most ambitious airline turnarounds, Campbell Wilson has announced his resignation as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India.
The Tata Group-owned carrier confirmed the decision on Tuesday, and a board-constituted committee has been appointed by Air India to select its successor "over the next few months." Mr Wilson will continue in his role until such time as a successor is appointed.
In an official newsroom X post, Air India announced: "Mr Wilson had conveyed his intention to step down in 2026 to Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 and, since then, has been working to ensure the organisation and leadership team is on a stable footing for the transition."
Addressing staff members via a letter, Mr Wilson called the privatised years a "peak" in his 30-year aviation career, highlighting the acquisition and merger of four airlines, the addition of 100 aircraft to the fleet, complete overhauling of systems and an improvement of the entire ground and in-flight services standard. He further added: "With these fundamental blocks now settled and a short window until deliveries from the almost 600-aircraft strong aircraft orderbook begin in earnest from 2027, the timing feels right for me to hand over the reins."
Yet a runway still being paved awaits the new chief. Persistent financial losses, increased regulatory scrutiny after a June 2025 crash that killed 260 in Ahmedabad, and pressure from a West Asia conflict-induced spike in jet fuel costs have dogged Air India. Regulators pointed to violations such as running planes without airworthiness certificates.
The timing also seems sensitive, with rival IndiGo announcing last week that it was naming IATA Director General Willie Walsh its new chief, indicating that a broad leadership shift is underway within India's aviation industry at this crucial juncture.