Air India CEO Campbell Wilson resigns amid losses, safety scrutiny and Dreamliner crash fallout

Air India Chief Executive Campbell Wilson has resigned, according to a report by Mint, as the airline faces sustained financial losses and increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Wilson is currently serving his notice period, with his resignation accepted at a board meeting held in the week prior to 6 April 2026, according to multiple sources cited by local media.

He is expected to remain in his role until a successor is appointed, although it remains unclear whether Tata Group has identified a replacement.

Operational setbacks and regulatory concerns deepen pressure

The leadership change comes as Air India continues to struggle with operational challenges, including aircraft delivery delays and persistent losses since its acquisition by Tata Group in 2022.

Regulators have reprimanded the airline over safety lapses.

These included operating an aircraft multiple times without a valid airworthiness certificate and failing to adequately check emergency equipment.

In December 2025, the airline acknowledged internal shortcomings.

It stated there was a “need for urgent improvements in process discipline, communication, and compliance culture”, according to a Reuters report.

Crash investigation weighs on leadership transition

Air India’s turnaround strategy has been further complicated by a fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad in June 2025.

The incident killed more than 241 passengers and crew, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in recent years.

The cause of the crash has yet to be determined. Investigators are expected to release a final report by around June 2026.

According to Bloomberg, any formal announcement of a new chief executive may be delayed until after the findings are published, reflecting sensitivities around leadership changes during an ongoing investigation.

Financial strain and geopolitical challenges intensify losses

Air India has remained loss-making since its acquisition by Tata Group, with financial pressures worsening due to external factors.

Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian carriers has disrupted key routes, increasing operational costs and reducing efficiency.

Further uncertainty stems from the risk of prolonged conflict involving Iran, which could affect the airline’s lucrative western routes.

In October 2025, Bloomberg reported that Air India was seeking a capital injection of 100 billion rupees, equivalent to approximately S$1.45 billion, to strengthen its balance sheet.

Stakeholder impact and restructuring efforts

Air India’s financial difficulties have significantly affected Singapore Airlines, which holds a 25.1 per cent stake following the merger with Vistara.

According to the airline’s financial disclosures, second-quarter earnings for FY2025 fell by 82.1 per cent, largely due to losses linked to Air India. First-quarter net profit also declined by 58.8 per cent.

Singapore Airlines reported that its share of associates’ losses reached S$428 million in the first half of FY2025, compared with a profit of S$3.2 million in the same period the previous year.

The carrier has invested S$988.9 million in Air India and has supported restructuring efforts, including transitioning aircraft maintenance services in-house to improve efficiency.

Leadership background and transition

Wilson, aged 53, joined Air India in July 2022 after a career with Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines.

He was appointed to lead the airline’s revival after Tata Group regained control following years of government ownership.

His appointment followed the withdrawal of Ilker Ayci, a former Turkish Airlines executive who declined the role.