Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has resigned, with his exit expected after the final investigation report into the Ahmedabad plane crash is released. The development, reported by ANI citing sources, comes amid internal churn at the airline, which has already begun the process of identifying a successor.
Board accepts resignation, exit likely in September
Sources indicate that Wilson’s resignation was accepted during a board meeting held last week. He is likely to step down formally in September, even though his five-year contract was scheduled to run until July 2027. Wilson had taken charge in September 2022 after the airline returned to the Tata Group following privatisation.
Crash report timeline shapes leadership transition
The airline is expected to appoint a new CEO only after the final report on the Ahmedabad crash is made public. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau had released a preliminary report on July 12, 2025, while the final findings are anticipated around June 2026. The timing of the leadership transition is being aligned with the conclusions of this high-profile probe.
Key developments so far include:
- Preliminary crash report released in July 2025
- Final report expected by June 2026
- CEO transition linked to investigation outcome
Search for new CEO underway since January
While Air India has not issued an official statement on Wilson’s resignation, sources say the airline has been engaged in high-level discussions with potential candidates. A crucial internal meeting on the appointment is expected next week. It is learnt that the search process began as early as January, when Wilson had indicated his intention to step down after completing his term.
Wilson brings over three decades of aviation experience
- Started career in 1996 with Singapore Airlines
- Worked across Canada, Hong Kong and Japan
- Led Scoot as founding CEO and later returned in 2020
Career spans global aviation roles and leadership positions
Before joining Air India, Wilson served as CEO of Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines. A graduate from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand with a Master of Commerce degree, he began his career as a management trainee in 1996. Over the years, he held multiple roles within Singapore Airlines, including senior vice president for sales and marketing, before taking charge at Air India in 2022.
Airline faces mounting losses and operational pressures
Air India is currently navigating multiple headwinds, with reports suggesting a potential loss of around ₹20,000 crore in FY26. Rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia have led to airspace restrictions, forcing route diversions and additional fuel stops, particularly affecting long-haul international operations.
The airline is also grappling with delayed aircraft deliveries, limiting its capacity expansion plans. The aftermath of last year’s Ahmedabad crash continues to weigh on its public image and operations. Flight AI 171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, had crashed shortly after take-off, killing 260 people.
Recent industry exits signal wider turbulence
- IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers resigned on March 10
- William Walsh appointed as new CEO on March 30
- IndiGo faced ₹2,000 crore loss amid disruptions
The aviation sector has seen multiple leadership changes recently. About a month ago, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers stepped down following operational disruptions that led to large-scale cancellations and delays, resulting in losses of around ₹2,000 crore. Against this backdrop, Air India continues to push ahead with its restructuring and expansion plans even as it prepares for a leadership transition.
