Agra, Nov 12 (IANS): Tourism industry leaders in Agra Tuesday reacted sharply to Air India's abrupt announcement to suspend its Agra-Mumbai flight from Nov 15 to 28 due to unavailability of aircraft.

"Just when the newly-introduced Mumbai-Agra flight had become popular and was reporting full booking, they have suspended it. This has disturbed travel plans of tourists and businessmen," said Tourism Welfare Chamber president Prahlad Agarwal.

"We have written to the ministry and the Air India chairman, protesting against the order. Those who have purchased tickets have been left in the lurch," Agarwal added.

The Tourism Guild of Agra, in a statement, said: "It would send a wrong message."

President of the National Chamber of Industries and Commerce, Manish Agarwal said: "This is a wrong decision and will definitely hurt the business and tourism sectors."

Without giving advance notice and explaining reasons, Air India has suspended the flight, an angry hotelier Surendra Sharma said.

"From day one, the Delhi lobby of travel agents have been creating problems and hurdles. They do not want Agra to be connected via air as their interests would be hurt. Most tourists want to land directly in Agra to see the Taj and return. Why are they compelled to get down in Delhi and drive to Agra," Sharma asked.

Tourism industry leaders here see this as an attempt to undermine the interests of Agra's tourism industry. "When there was need to air-connect Agra with more cities in India, they have suspended this popular flight," said Agra Hotels and Restaurants Association president Rakesh Chauhan.