(Image source from: Moneycontrol.com)

In the middle of a major change plan, the airline owned by the Tata Group is also looking for a new CEO since the current one, Campbell Wilson, who is a veteran from Singapore Airlines Group, will resign later this year. Air India, which is not making a profit, plans to talk about ways to save money, changes in leadership, and financial results at its board meeting set for May 7, according to a report from PTI quoting sources. This airline is believed to have lost more than Rs 22,000 crore in the financial year that ended in March 2026, with difficulties increasing because of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Sources mentioned to PTI that the board, led by N Chandrasekaran, will gather in Mumbai to discuss strategies for cutting costs, plans for a new CEO, and the financial status for FY26, along with other matters. To help lower expenses while jet fuel prices are rising, the airline is thinking about separating meal services from ticket prices and making lounge access optional for business class travelers. However, sources pointed out that these ideas are still being considered and no final choice has been made. Restrictions in airspace because of the West Asia conflict have resulted in longer international routes, raising fuel usage and operational expenses.

The board is also likely to focus on finding a new CEO since the current leader, Campbell Wilson, is planning to leave later this year. The airline, where Singapore Airlines has a 25.1 percent share, is looking at several candidates, which include people from within the company and potential international applicants. One source mentioned that the airline might think about appointing a joint Managing Director or CEO. On May 1, Wilson talked about the challenges facing the airline, saying, ". . . the huge jump in jet fuel prices along with airspace closures and longer flight paths have made many of our international trips unprofitable," in a message to employees. He also said that the situation means the airline has to "cut back on the schedules for June and July. " "We deeply regret the disruption to our customers' plans and our crew's schedules, and we hope that the issue in the Middle East resolves soon — and the Strait of Hormuz opens — so we can return to a more normal situation," he added.

Wilson further mentioned that domestic flights have been affected too, although not as much due to limits on fuel price increases. "To partly make up for the large rise in expenses, we have raised ticket prices and added fuel surcharges, but understandably, these higher fares affect customer demand, so we can only increase prices to a certain point before people choose to stay home," he stated. On April 26, Air India, along with IndiGo and SpiceJet, alerted the government that the airline industry is under great pressure and close to "ceasing operations," seeking help with jet fuel pricing and financial aid. International jet fuel prices saw a rise of over 5 percent on May 1, which added to the financial strain.

The pressure is not just affecting Indian airlines. Around the world, airlines are facing the same difficulties, with some choosing to reduce expenses. Spirit Airlines, located in the US, has already stopped its services. On April 29, Willie Walsh, the head of the International Air Transport Association, mentioned that there might be a lack of jet fuel in Asia and Europe in the near future, and that higher prices are starting to show up in ticket costs.