The Man Who Led Air India’s Return to Tata to Exit. What’s Next for the Airline?

Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said on Wednesday that he will not seek another term when his current tenure ends on February 20, 2027. His decision brings an end to a six-month stand-off at Air India-parent Tata Sons over his reappointment. For Air India, the timing is important: The airline is facing heavy losses, has just appointed a new CEO, and has pushed its turnaround timeline much further than originally planned. Chandra said the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust had recommended a five-year extension of his term. But when the proposal came before the Tata Sons board on February 24, it did not get unanimous support, Chandra said in a statement. He added that, after six months without a resolution, he decided not to continue beyond his current term and asked the board to begin the succession process. Reports have identified the director who opposed the extension as Noel Tata, chair