Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Steps Down, to Remain Until Successor is Appointed

Leadership transition underway amid operational and cost challenges

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has stepped down from his role and will remain with the airline until a successor is appointed, according to people familiar with the development.

His resignation was accepted at a board meeting last week. He is expected to continue in his position during the transition period, which may extend until September. Wilson’s five-year term was originally scheduled to conclude next year.

The process to identify a successor began earlier this year after Wilson indicated that he did not intend to continue beyond his contract period. He joined Air India in September 2022 following the airline’s privatisation earlier that year.

Air India has not issued an official comment on the development.

Transition comes as airline navigates operational pressures

The leadership change comes at a time when the airline is managing a range of operational and financial pressures. These include airspace restrictions linked to the West Asia situation, aircraft supply constraints and rising operating costs.

Airspace limitations have required longer flight paths on certain international routes, resulting in increased fuel consumption and greater operational complexity.

The airline is also dealing with the aftermath of the June 2025 crash of Flight AI 171, involving a Boeing Dreamliner shortly after departure from Ahmedabad, which resulted in significant loss of life. A final investigation report is expected by June 2026.

Industry sources indicate that Air India is in discussions with candidates for the CEO role, with a focus on experience in managing full-service carriers and complex airline operations.

The transition follows recent leadership changes within the Indian aviation sector, including developments at IndiGo earlier this year.