Turkish Airlines Faces Backlash as India Travel Firms Halt Bookings
The boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan is a response to their support for Pakistan, with many Indians calling for a strong response to the country's actions. The travel industry is taking a stance, with companies such as Ixigo and Cox & Kings suspending bookings and services.
Travel companies in India have stopped new bookings to Turkiye and Azerbaijan due to their support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a recent military operation, with many Indians calling for a boycott of both countries.
The decision to halt new bookings is in line with customer and national sentiment, with companies such as Cox & Kings, Pickyourtrail, and WanderOn pausing new bookings. Existing bookings are also experiencing a significant drop, with over 50% fewer Indians looking to travel to the two countries. Renowned musician Vishal Mishra has vowed not to visit Turkey and Azerbaijan, citing the countries' support for Pakistan amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
The move comes as India confirmed that Pakistan used Turkish-made drones to target 36 locations across India, including civilian and military infrastructure. Several prominent figures, including author Prashant Thakur, digital marketing consultant Suresh Nakhua, and EaseMyTrip Founder Nishant Pitti, have also urged Indians to avoid visiting Turkey and Azerbaijan until the situation normalizes. The travel sector has also joined the call for caution, with Goa Villas announcing that it will no longer offer services to Turkish nationals.
Ixigo has suspended all flights and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China in a show of solidarity with India amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the terror attack in Pahalgam. The decision comes after Turkey and Azerbaijan publicly supported Pakistan in the aftermath of India's "Operation Sindoor" targeting terror sites across the border.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the travel industry will be impacted in the long term. For now, many Indians are choosing to avoid travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, and instead opting for alternative destinations.