Campbell Wilson has stepped down as the CEO of Air India. Since the Ahmedabad crash that killed 260 people in June 2025, the airline has been grappling with regulatory reprimands over safety failings and financial troubles.
Campbell Wilson, a Singapore Airlines veteran who had been named CEO in 2022, was originally supposed to stay in the position until 2027. However, the airline announced his resignation on 7 April 2026.
“Air India’s privatisation has seen the acquisition and successful merger of four airlines. It has seen the complete modernisation of systems, the launch of new physical products, and the deployment of elevated service standards on ground and in the air, as well as 100 additional aircraft added to the fleet. With these foundational blocks now settling and a brief window until deliveries from the nearly 600-strong aircraft orderbook commence in earnest from 2027, the time is right for me to hand over the reins for the next phase of Air India’s rise. It has been a true honour to play a small part in this latest chapter of Air India’s long history,” Campbell Wilson stated.
Official: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has resigned and will remain in his role until a successor is appointed.
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 7, 2026
Wilson’s resignation was accepted at a board meeting last week, and he is expected to continue with the airline to ensure a smooth transition, potentially until… pic.twitter.com/OdXKdDUXVV
Difficult timing
His step-down as CEO comes at a particularly difficult moment for Air India. On 12 June 2025, the London-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at Ahmedabad airport, killing 141 out of the 142 passengers on board as well as 19 people on the ground. Ever since, the airline has been reprimanded by aviation regulators for a series of safety failings.
Moreover, the airline has been heavily impacted by the US-Israel war on Iran, which obliged the rerouting of many flights and caused a hefty increase in jet fuel prices. According to the British newspaper The Independent, Air India and its low-cost arm Air India Express reached Rs 98.08 billion (€954 million) in losses in 2024-25, while experts believe this could rise to Rs 200 billion (€1.95 billion) in 2025-26.
JUST IN: An Air India Boeing 787-8 crashes shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India.
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) June 12, 2025
The plane was carrying 230 passengers with 12 crew members (242 souls on board).
The plane was bound for London and issued a Mayday call… pic.twitter.com/A7vOIBhJ06
Finally, Air India Express’ managing director left in March 2026 after a five-year term, leaving both airlines without a clear leader.
“Air India Board has constituted a committee that will find the successor in the coming months. Mr Wilson had conveyed his intention to step down in 2026 to Air India chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 and, since then, has been working to ensure the organisation and leadership team are on a stable footing for the transition. He will remain in the role until his successor is announced and in place,” Air India’s statement reads.
Air India today announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson.
— Air India Newsroom (@AirIndia_News) April 7, 2026
Mr. Wilson had conveyed his intention to step down in 2026 to Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran in 2024 and, since then, has been working to ensure the organization and… pic.twitter.com/6EKEq1wDjT
“I wish to record my deep appreciation for Campbell’s leadership and contribution over the past four years… (It) is worth acknowledging the numerous external challenges navigated by the Air India team, including prolonged post-COVID supply chain constraints that have impacted delivery of new aircraft and retrofit programs as well as major geopolitical and other headwinds. Campbell and his team have demonstrated tenacity and resolve and have aligned an organisation drawn from many backgrounds behind the shared goal of building the new Air India that is now emerging,” Air India chairman N. Chandrasekaran added.
Wilson’s resignation was announced days after the appointment of Willie Walsh as CEO of Air India’s rival IndiGo. The previous CEO, Pieter Elbers, stepped down following mass flight cancellations in December 2025.
