Himachal Pradesh may be severely hit by the decision of Air India to suspend its Delhi-Kullu flights, due to recurring losses. Kingfisher Red (Deccan), has also been operating its Delhi-Shimla flight regularly.

CM Prem Kumar Dhumal spoke to Air India’s CMD Raghu Menon in Delhi yesterday. The CM asked him to review the decision on suspension of the flights to Kullu, in light of the tourist pressure in winter months.

Dhumal said that while private airlines were earning huge profits on the route, Air India had chosen to suspend its flights on the excuse that it was suffering losses. The CM added that during winter, the number of tourists visiting the state was expected to go up considerably.

The CM told Menon that there was a strong need for regular flights from Delhi to the state. Dhumal said, “It does not behove the national carrier to suspend its flights.”