Shocking Exit: Air France CEO Anne Rigail Resigns Amid Strategic Shake-Up Due to Health Issues
In an unexpected and deeply human turn of events, Anne Rigail, the first female CEO in the history of Air France, has officially stepped down from her position, citing ongoing health concerns that have impacted her ability to continue at the helm of one of Europe’s most iconic airlines. Her resignation, submitted and accepted quietly but firmly by the board of directors late Friday evening, comes as both a strategic and emotional turning point for the Air France-KLM Group, stirring reactions across the aviation industry and among thousands of employees she led through crisis and transformation.
A Pioneering Career Cut Short
Anne Rigail assumed leadership of Air France in December 2018, a time of turbulence and transition for the national carrier. As a veteran of the aviation industry, she had risen through the ranks with a combination of technical expertise, operational excellence, and emotional intelligence that made her not only a competent executive but a beloved leader among staff.
Born in 1969, Rigail began her career with Air Inter in 1991 before joining Air France in 1996. She held numerous positions, including Vice President of Ground Operations at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and was instrumental in reshaping customer service experiences and crisis response strategies during strikes, weather disruptions, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her tenure as CEO marked a historic shift. She was the first woman to lead Air France since its founding in 1933, and she carried that banner with quiet confidence, spearheading major initiatives in sustainability, digital transformation, and fleet modernization. Her efforts earned her numerous accolades, including recognition by the French government and various international aviation bodies.
But as confirmed by a source close to the airline, Rigail had been grappling with persistent health issues for the past year—issues that escalated in recent months and demanded a reevaluation of her ability to maintain the demands of executive leadership.
The Official Statement
In a brief but poignant statement released by the airline Saturday morning, Rigail expressed her “profound sadness” at leaving the position but emphasized that “health must always come first.”
> “Serving as CEO of Air France has been the honor of my professional life,” she wrote. “But in recent months, I have come to understand that health is not something that can be negotiated or postponed. I step away with a heavy heart, immense pride, and deep gratitude to the men and women of Air France who have supported me and stood by this company through every challenge.”
The statement was accompanied by words of support from Air France-KLM Group CEO Benjamin Smith, who praised Rigail’s “resilience, vision, and the enduring legacy she leaves behind.” He also emphasized that the leadership transition would be “handled with utmost care, transparency, and continuity.”
Industry Reacts with Surprise and Respect
News of Rigail’s resignation sent ripples through the aviation world, with executives from Lufthansa, British Airways, and Emirates issuing public messages of respect and solidarity.
“She led Air France with grace during some of the toughest years in modern aviation history,” wrote Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa Group. “Her departure is a loss not only for France but for the global aviation community.”
Meanwhile, unions representing Air France ground staff and cabin crew issued their own statements, many praising Rigail for her empathetic leadership style, often described as “human-centered” in contrast to the more profit-driven strategies seen elsewhere in the industry.
“She listened. She walked the terminals. She knew names. That kind of leadership is rare,” said Sophie Malbranque, a spokesperson for one of the airline’s largest labor unions.
Health Over Hustle: A Broader Reflection
Rigail’s decision to prioritize her health over her career has sparked broader conversations in French media about the pressures faced by executives, particularly women, in high-stakes industries. Le Figaro published an editorial praising Rigail for “making the brave and countercultural decision to place personal well-being above corporate duty.”
This comes at a time when mental health and work-life balance are increasingly being acknowledged as essential components of leadership sustainability. Within Air France, HR departments are reportedly being tasked with expanding employee wellness programs in response to the news.
Several insiders say Rigail’s departure was not entirely unexpected within inner circles, but the timing and swiftness of her exit have left many surprised. There had been no official leave of absence or public signs of her stepping back in recent weeks, although some noticed her absence from key strategy meetings and media appearances in the past month.
What Comes Next for Air France?
With Rigail’s departure, interim leadership has been assumed by Air France Chief Operating Officer Pierre Olivier Bandet, a seasoned executive known for his operational rigor and close working relationship with Rigail. While no permanent replacement has yet been named, the Air France-KLM board is expected to begin a formal selection process immediately, looking both internally and externally for candidates capable of continuing Rigail’s vision.
Industry analysts suggest that the airline may be inclined to maintain continuity by appointing someone from within its current leadership team. Still, some believe the board may seize the opportunity for a more radical strategic shift, particularly in light of evolving pressures from environmental groups, shifting passenger expectations, and geopolitical instability affecting global routes.
Bandet, in his first remarks to staff, praised Rigail’s legacy and promised to “honor her values while advancing the work she began.”
> “Anne Rigail has set a standard for leadership that goes beyond business. Her empathy, clarity, and resilience will guide us forward,” he said.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Though her term as CEO was shorter than many expected, Anne Rigail leaves behind a profound legacy. Under her leadership, Air France:
Modernized its long-haul fleet, introducing Airbus A350s and retiring older, less efficient aircraft.
Expanded digital services, improving customer interaction across platforms and streamlining operations.
Introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives and pressed for stronger environmental accountability.
Navigated post-COVID recovery, managing to keep layoffs minimal while restoring over 90% of the network by late 2023.
Enhanced gender equity, implementing internal policies to support women in leadership across departments.
Rigail’s departure is not just the end of a chapter; it’s the close of an era where one leader sought to prove that empathy, intelligence, and personal integrity could thrive in a corporate setting often dominated by bottom lines and blunt force strategy.
An Emotional Farewell
Sources say Rigail personally visited several key departments at Charles de Gaulle Airport before her resignation was made public. She reportedly hugged many of her longtime colleagues, thanked teams in person, and left handwritten notes for various department heads.
Employees described the atmosphere as “emotional but deeply respectful,” with several breaking into spontaneous applause as she walked by.
“People weren’t just saying goodbye to a CEO,” said Julien Fornier, a veteran ground agent. “We were saying goodbye to someone who actually cared.”
Photos posted on internal staff forums showed Rigail standing quietly with a group of mechanics in blue coveralls, her signature scarf tucked into her coat, smiling as if trying to keep the gravity of the moment from overtaking her.
Looking Forward, Looking Back
For now, Anne Rigail has made no announcements about her future plans. In her statement, she emphasized that her current focus would be on healing, family, and rest. “There will be time later to consider what’s next,” she wrote, “but for now, I look forward to slowing down and embracing the simple joy of living.”
If and when she returns to the public sphere—be it in aviation, consulting, or another capacity—she will undoubtedly bring with her a reputation not only of strength and strategy but of humanity and grace under pressure.
As Air France braces for its next chapter, one thing is clear: Anne Rigail’s imprint on the company is indelible. Her departure is a sobering reminder of the fragility of even the strongest leaders—and a clarion call for industries everywhere to put health, both personal and organizational, at the center of success