Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Steps Down

Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson has resigned from his position, according to reports from the Indian newspaper Mint and other news outlets. While Wilson has stepped down, he is expected to remain with the company until a successor is appointed to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

The resignation was reportedly accepted during a board meeting held the week prior to April 7, 2026. Wilson’s original five-year contract, which began in September 2022 following the airline’s privatization in January 2022, was scheduled to conclude in September 2027. His departure now occurs approximately one year before the end of that term.

Transition and Successor Search

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the search for a new chief executive began in January 2026, after Wilson expressed his intention not to continue in the role after his contract expired. The airline is currently in advanced discussions with potential candidates, all of whom are reportedly CEOs of full-service carriers. A critical meeting regarding the selection of a successor is scheduled for the week of April 7, 2026.

One source noted that Wilson will stay within the system until the board finds his successor — to help in a smooth transition — whenever that happens, until September.

Operational and Financial Challenges

The leadership change occurs as Air India faces significant operational and financial headwinds. The airline is currently grappling with persistent losses and is expected to report a record loss for the current year.

Beyond financial struggles, the company is dealing with several systemic issues, including:

• Aircraft supply constraints and delivery delays.
• Rising operational costs.
• Airspace restrictions resulting from the crisis in West Asia.

The airline has also come under heightened regulatory scrutiny following a crash last year that resulted in the deaths of 260 people.

Air India has declined to comment on the resignation of Campbell Wilson.