DELHI: Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson has stepped down as the carrier continues to face financial losses and increased regulatory scrutiny after a deadly crash last year that claimed 260 lives.
His resignation comes shortly after rival IndiGo appointed aviation veteran Willie Walsh as its next CEO, highlighting growing pressure on India’s leading airlines amid a wider industry crisis linked to Middle East tensions and domestic operational challenges.
Wilson, a former Singapore Airlines executive appointed in 2022 to lead Air India’s turnaround, had been expected to serve until 2027 but is currently working through a six-month notice period and will remain until a successor is named.
The airline has struggled with aircraft delivery delays and has been criticised by regulators for safety lapses, including operating aircraft without proper certification and failing to check emergency equipment.
Despite efforts to overhaul operations, including revamping engineering and refurbishing aircraft, Air India acknowledged in December the need for urgent improvements in discipline, communication, and compliance.
Owned by Tata Group, Air India has remained loss-making since its acquisition in 2022, reporting a combined loss of 98.08 billion rupees ($1.05 billion) with Air India Express in the 2024–2025 financial year.
Ongoing airspace restrictions and potential escalation in the Iran conflict are expected to further strain its international operations.
