In a significant move reflecting the current geopolitical climate, leading Indian travel companies EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings, and ixigo have suspended all flight, hotel, and travel package bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This decision comes in response to these countries’ public statements supporting Pakistan following India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’-a precision airstrike targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after the brutal Pahalgam terror attack.
Operation Sindoor and Its Aftermath: Trigger for Travel Boycott
Operation Sindoor, launched by India to avenge the killing of 26 innocent tourists in Kashmir, escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. Turkey and Azerbaijan openly expressed diplomatic support for Pakistan during this period, which sparked widespread outrage among Indian travellers and travel agencies. The travel industry’s response has been swift and resolute, with major platforms halting bookings to these destinations to align with national sentiment.
ixigo Leads the Charge: “Blood and Bookings Won’t Flow Together”
Aloke Bajpai, Managing Director and CEO of ixigo, announced on social media platform X that the company is suspending all flight and hotel bookings to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. Bajpai’s statement, “Enough is Enough! Blood and Bookings won’t flow together,” resonated strongly with Indian travellers, reinforcing ixigo’s commitment to national solidarity.
ixigo’s official message emphasized, “In solidarity with our nation, ixigo is suspending flight and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. Because when it comes to Bharat, we don’t think twice. Jai Hind.”
EaseMyTrip and Cox & Kings Follow Suit
EaseMyTrip has issued strong advisories urging travellers to avoid non-essential trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Co-founder Rikant Pittie revealed that cancellation rates have surged to 22% for Turkey and 30% for Azerbaijan, with many travellers shifting their preferences to alternative destinations like Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Similarly, Cox & Kings announced a temporary hold on all new travel packages to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, stating, “We stand with India. Sometimes, a pause becomes a necessity.” The company emphasized respect and understanding but affirmed their decision to wait alongside the nation.
Impact on Indian Travellers and Tourism Industry
The suspension of bookings by these major travel platforms reflects a broader sentiment among Indian travellers, who are reconsidering their holiday plans in light of geopolitical developments. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan had been fast-growing destinations for Indian tourists, with Türkiye Tourism Board reporting a 20.7% increase in Indian visitors last year and Azerbaijan doubling its Indian tourist numbers to 243,000.
However, following their support for Pakistan during the conflict, Indian travellers are canceling trips en masse. MakeMyTrip reported a 60% drop in bookings and a 250% surge in cancellations to these countries. Travel companies have also removed promotions and offers related to Turkey and Azerbaijan, signaling a collective boycott.
Alternative Destinations Gain Popularity
With Turkey and Azerbaijan off many travellers’ radars, destinations such as Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam are witnessing increased interest from Indian tourists. These countries offer diverse experiences and are perceived as politically neutral and safer options amid ongoing regional tensions.
Airlines and Partnerships Affected
The boycott has extended to airline partnerships as well. Indian travel brands like Go Homestays and Goa Villas have ended their collaborations with Turkish Airlines, citing the airline’s unsupportive stance towards India. This move further isolates Turkey’s national carrier from the Indian travel market.
Conclusion: Travel Industry Aligns with National Sentiment
The suspension of bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan by EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings, ixigo, and other travel companies marks a clear alignment of India’s travel industry with national interests. This collective stance underscores how geopolitical events can rapidly influence travel trends and consumer choices. Indian travellers are increasingly prioritizing patriotism and security in their travel decisions, reshaping the outbound tourism landscape.
As the situation evolves, the travel industry is expected to continue adapting, promoting destinations that resonate with Indian values and geopolitical realities, while pausing ties with nations perceived as unsupportive of India.
This article captures the latest developments in India’s travel sector amid geopolitical tensions, providing Indian readers with a clear, comprehensive, and uniquely crafted update.