Suspension of the lone flight to Kullu-Manali airport at Bhuntar between February 20 and April 15 by Air India has left the tourism industry stunned as the decision came after hoteliers spent crores of rupees in promotion of winter and coming summer season activities in Kullu-Manali, at tourism trade fairs in many states.

Air India is the only airline providing one sortie every day six days a week, except for Tuesday. High end tourists, who are wary of undertaking the 14-hour hectic journey by surface transport, are of late showing interest in Manali due to air connectivity. The airline is not allowing booking between February 20 and April 15, which may cause huge losses to the tourism industry, sources said.

Manali Travel Agents Association president Anil Sharma said that despite making enquiries about the reasons for suspension of flights, he didn't get any reply from Air India officials. "This will certainly bleed tourism. Hundreds of hoteliers and travel agents are attending tourism trade fairs in many states and convincing people to visit Manali, which is well connected by flight. No doubt many tourists, who had planned to visit Manali by flight, will cancel their tour programmes," he said.

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