Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson has resigned, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter, as the airline continues to face financial losses and heightened regulatory oversight following a fatal crash last year.
Wilson, a former Singapore Airlines executive who was appointed in 2022 to lead Air India’s turnaround under the Tata Group, is currently serving a six-month notice period and is expected to remain in his role until a successor is named.
His departure comes at a challenging time for the carrier, which has been grappling with operational issues, aircraft delivery delays, and safety-related concerns raised by regulators. Authorities have previously flagged compliance lapses, including instances involving flights conducted without proper certification and insufficient checks on emergency equipment.
The airline has also been under pressure since a crash last year that killed 260 people, intensifying scrutiny of its safety and operational standards. The incident contributed to increased regulatory attention and calls for internal reforms.
Wilson’s original tenure was set to run until 2027. Since assuming leadership, he has overseen early-stage restructuring efforts, including engineering overhauls and fleet refurbishment amid global supply chain constraints affecting the aviation industry.
Air India has continued to report financial losses since its acquisition by Tata Group in 2022. The airline and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express recorded combined losses of approximately 98.08 billion Indian rupees ($1.05 billion) in the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
The development also comes amid broader pressures on India’s aviation sector, including intensified competition, leadership changes at rival carriers, and external factors such as geopolitical tensions affecting flight routes. Restrictions on airspace access have further impacted long-haul operations and profitability.
Industry observers note that finding a successor capable of continuing Air India’s transformation will be critical as the airline navigates restructuring, fleet expansion plans, and ongoing efforts to improve operational performance and financial stability.
Air India did not immediately respond to requests for comment.