The tourism industry of Himachal Pradesh is likely to hit badly as Air India has decided to suspend its operations in Himachal Pradesh from Saturday (November 22). The officials of the state-owned carrier informed the media on Thursday (November 20) that Air India authorities have decided to suspend the lone flight between Delhi and Kullu from November 22. The flight was launched on March 19 this year and currently operates twice a week.

Subhash Sharma, president of the Travel Agents Association of Kullu, told a news agency that it was a strange decision, given that at the time of launching the flight Union Aviation Minister Patel had assured the state government that Air India would increase flights to seven days a week. The suspension of the lone flight will affect the tourism industry, he added.

The decision has also created a huge uproar among the hoteliers of the region. A Manali-based hotelier said that the suspension of the Air India flights would mean monopoly business for private carriers. The state government should take up the issue with the central government.

However, Pradeep Oberio, chief marketing manager of Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, said that the operation of flights in Himachal Pradesh have only been suspended for the time being and services would be resumed when there is a rush of tourists.