Air India’s turnaround goes off the flight plan

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson is set to exit in September 2026, with an interim panel announced to run the airline.

Wilson communicated his resignation decision in 2024 but stayed until a replacement could be found, raising questions about leadership planning.

Former civil aviation secretary Pradeep Kharola was appointed as executive advisor to the Air India chairman, criticized by insiders as unlikely to achieve results.

Air India recorded its worst annual loss of ₹26,800 crore in FY26, bringing total post-Tata takeover losses to over ₹58,000 crore.

The airline's turnaround is described as mired in poor governance, with mounting losses and leadership stasis.