Air India’s Outgoing CEO: ‘The Person That Takes Over Will Have Their Hands Full’

Key Points

• Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is stepping down after a tumultuous year marked by a deadly crash, geopolitical tensions, and significant financial losses.
• The airline posted a record loss of over $2 billion in 2025, erasing much of the progress made since privatization, and faces ongoing regulatory and operational challenges.
• Wilson oversaw major initiatives like a record aircraft order, business class upgrades, and a merger with Vistara, but warned that Air India's turnaround remains incomplete.

Summary

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is preparing to step down after a challenging year that included a fatal crash, geopolitical disruptions, and a record loss exceeding $2 billion in 2025. Despite efforts such as a massive aircraft order, new business class cabins, and a merger with Vistara, the airline's transformation has been hampered by regulatory scrutiny and ongoing operational issues. Wilson cautioned that the next CEO will inherit many of the same problems and face an equally difficult path toward profitability.