Air India — country's national carrier — has confirmed to resume its operations in Himachal Pradesh from 3 Dec' 2008. On Dec' 1, Satish Kumar Sharma Air India’s station manager, revealed that the company has decided to restart the lone flight between Delhi and Bhuntar from 3 December and it will operate twice a week - Wednesday and Friday. Earlier, on 22 November, the authorities suspended the Delhi-Kullu flight alluding to the fall in number of passengers.
On 19 Mar' 2008, the flight was launched at the inauguration of new terminal building at Bhuntar (near Manali). As Kullu-Manali is one of preferred tourist destinations in India, the restoration of flights would definitely attract affluent tourists to visit the hilly region. The state authorities approved the decision of Air India since tourism is a significant contributor to the state's economic development.
