Air India's Board Seeks New CEO Amid Safety Scrutiny and Tata Group Pressure

January 8, 2026 at 06:33 AM•3 min read

Air India's board is reportedly seeking a new chief executive to replace Campbell Wilson, following intense regulatory scrutiny over safety lapses and a fatal crash.

Key Points

1Air India's board is reportedly searching for a new CEO to replace Campbell Wilson before his term ends in mid-2027.
2The move follows intense DGCA safety scrutiny and a fatal Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in June 2025 that killed 260 people.
3Regulators cited nearly 100 safety lapses, including seven 'Level-1' violations, ranging from crew fatigue issues to maintenance record shortcomings.
4Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has held talks with chief executives from at least two leading international airlines as potential successors.

Air India's board has reportedly begun searching for a new chief executive officer (CEO).

This move signals a potential Air India leadership change at the top of India's flag carrier. The airline is currently facing significant Tata Group regulatory pressure and public scrutiny.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Safety Concerns

The search for a Campbell Wilson replacement comes after a fatal crash last year. The accident was the world's deadliest aviation disaster in a decade, killing 260 people.

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed on June 12, 2025. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. India's aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), intensified its oversight afterward.

Regulators flagged a series of serious Air India safety lapses at the carrier. The DGCA's audit uncovered nearly 100 safety issues. These included seven "Level-1" violations, the most critical classification.

Key Lapses Cited by Authorities

The DGCA cited a range of operational and maintenance shortcomings:

Flying aircraft without required emergency equipment checks.
Delays in replacing essential engine parts.
Issues involving maintenance record forgery.
Shortcomings in crew fatigue management and pilot rest rules.

Furthermore, a preliminary investigation into the crash suggested pilot confusion. The report noted that engine fuel cutoff switches were moved to the 'cutoff' position moments after takeoff.

The Leadership Transition

Campbell Wilson took over as CEO and Managing Director in July 2022. He began his role soon after the Tata Group acquired the airline from the Indian government. Wilson is a New Zealand-born executive with 26 years of experience at Singapore Airlines.

His contract is scheduled to run until mid-2027. However, he could be replaced sooner, according to reports. Sources familiar with the matter indicate the Tata Group was dissatisfied with the pace of the Air India turnaround plan.

Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran has reportedly held talks with chief executives. These discussions involved leaders from at least two major international airlines based in the UK and US. Similar leadership changes may also be considered for Air India Express, the group's low-cost carrier.

Impact on Commercial Aviation

This high-profile airline chief executive search highlights the immense challenge of reviving a legacy carrier. The Tata Group has invested heavily to modernize the fleet and expand routes. However, operational challenges and safety concerns have hampered the effort.

For the global industry, the situation underscores the critical nature of regulatory compliance. The DGCA's actions align with global standards set by organizations like IATA. Maintaining a strong safety culture is paramount for passenger confidence and operational integrity. This story remains a key focus in commercial aviation news as the Tata Group seeks to restore Air India's reputation.

Read more about global aviation developments in our commercial aviation news section. [https://flying.flights]