Major Indian travel companies are halting new bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan following both nation’s recent expressions of support for Pakistan. The move comes in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after Pakistan-backed terrorist action against innocent Indian travellers in Pahalgam on April 22nd, which reportedly killed 24 Indians and two foreign nationals. This escalation by Pakistan against India was followed by India’s subsequent military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
As public sentiment shifts, several travel platforms and agencies have taken action in response to what they describe as political stances that go against Indian national interest.
On May 7, 2025, Turkey and Azerbaijan issued formal statements after India launched “Operation Sindoor,” which reportedly targeted nine terror-related locations across Pakistan. Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry expressed concern over rising tensions and condemned what it referred to as attacks that caused civilian casualties in Pakistan. In Islamabad, Turkey’s ambassador met with Pakistan’s foreign minister, during which Turkey criticised India’s actions as an “unprovoked breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty.” These declarations drew widespread criticism from Indian citizens and businesses.
Social media platforms became the epicentre of public outrage, with viral posts citing tourism statistics 2024 showing that 330,000 Indians visited Turkey and 240,000 visited Azerbaijan. Influential voices on social media encouraged Indian tourists to choose alternative destinations like Armenia and Greece, stressing national pride and dignity.
One post read, “Tourism is a choice. So is national pride.” Another urged, “Let Turkey and Baku see Indian tourists’ power now.”
The account “The Skin Doctor” on X wrote, “No patriotic Indian should fund nations undermining our country. Choose Armenia or Greece instead.”
One social media user publicly urged Indian travellers and travel agencies to avoid flying with Turkish Airlines and Azerbaijan Airlines until these carriers denounce India’s military response and continue backing Pakistan, claiming it’s necessary to protect India’s national security and sovereignty.
Following India’s strikes, heightened security measures were imposed across key airports, and more than 25 major airports in northern and central India—including Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, and Jammu—were temporarily shut until May 10. IndiGo and Air India Express offered flexible policies for affected routes, including free changes and refunds. Air India urged passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure due to enhanced security checks.
Mr. Nishant Pitti, Chairman and Founder of EaseMyTrip, issued a statement urging travellers to reconsider plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan. “In light of the recent attack in Pahalgam and the deteriorating situation along the India-Pakistan border, we are disappointed by Turkey and Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan. We strongly advise against non-essential travel to these countries,” he said. He emphasised the company’s responsibility towards Indian citizens and their safety.
Mr. Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder of Chennai-based PickYourTrail, shared a similar view on LinkedIn, noting that the company would suspend all future bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, although it would continue to assist current travellers abroad. “This is not about people or cultures, but about standing against any government undermining India’s sovereignty,” he said.
Other agencies quickly followed suit. Cox & Kings declared a temporary halt on all new travel products to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, while Go Homestays announced the termination of its partnership with Turkish Airlines .Mr. Karan Agarwal, Director at Cox & Kings, stated, “We recommend Indian travellers avoid visiting these countries until there is greater geopolitical stability.”
Mr. Alok K. Singh, CEO of Travomint, confirmed the suspension of all travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan and waived cancellation charges for existing bookings. “Emergency bookings will still be facilitated if necessary,” Singh added.
“Due to the escalating tensions with Pakistan and countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan supporting it, we at Travomint have taken a firm and responsible stand. We have decided to support the Indians’ call for boycotting Turkey and Azerbaijan. With immediate effect, Travomint has suspended the sale of all travel packages to these countries. In addition, no cancellation fees will be charged on existing bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Emergency Flight bookings will be available in case of any emergency or urgent need. Travomint remains committed to national sentiments and the safety and trust of its customers. We believe that business must be driven not only by profit but also by principles. We stand united against all odds to protect our nation and its citizens during this critical time. Travomint is with India and for India, Always,” says Alok K Singh, Chairman and CEO, Travomint.
Vogue Tourism, a travel company, shared a poster on its social media platforms urging: “Boycott Turkey & Azerbaijan: Stand Against India’s Adversaries, Support Our True Allies.”
Their message stated: “In 2024, more than half a million Indians travelled to Turkey and Azerbaijan, despite both countries consistently backing Pakistan and opposing India on international forums. As responsible citizens, we must align our travel decisions with national interests. Let’s stop funding nations that undermine us and instead support genuine allies like Greece and Armenia. Travel is not just about leisure—it’s a powerful statement. Choose wisely.”
Vacation rental platform Goa Villas even extended its response by ceasing accommodation services for Turkish citizens in its properties in India, citing Turkey’s “unfriendly” position on India’s recent military action.
Tourism Veteran Mr. Jose Dominic shared his concern that the current situation prevailing vis-à-vis Pakistan is likely to result in a massive drop in vacation travel and the postponement of MICE events. In the case of weddings, the negative sentiment could result in postponement and downsizing.
Mr. Pradeep Shetty, Vice President of the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), reported cancellations in Indian states like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir, attributing the trend to the overall uncertainty triggered by the geopolitical situation.
Ms. Jayasree Singh, Founder of Kolkata-based Pan Asian Holidays, shared, “Over the past two days, some of my clients and travel groups have cancelled their trips to Himachal and other parts of North India. These were originally planned for Kashmir but were rescheduled after the Pahalgam attack. It’s a very stressful time for us. The tourism industry is still struggling to recover from the slowdown caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. We can only hope the situation stabilises soon so that people start travelling again and help support the local economies and communities that rely heavily on tourism.”
The CEO of a major outbound travel company, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “We have received many calls these days to check the vacation packages to Far East Asian countries.” He feels that many Indian travellers will opt for Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore in the coming days, due to the unrest in Indian destinations and the boycott call for Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Mr. Shilendran, Vice President of CGH Earth Experience Hotels, is optimistic about the current situation and said, “Let’s not jump the gun. While the Inbound season has come to an end for leisure, the forward bookings for winter are the only worry, and the bookings for winter usually peak from July onwards and hence we have some time, and I am sure by then things will settle down. We have been receiving some diversion of business from North India to South India, a little of Inbound and Domestic too.”
India’s response underscores the growing use of tourism as a strategic instrument of soft diplomacy. Last year, Indian travellers boycotted the Maldives—our neighbouring country—leading to a sharp decline in its tourism sector. The impact was so severe that the Maldivian President publicly urged Indian tourists to return, a plea that was gradually answered. Today, once again, Indian travellers and travel companies are demonstrating solidarity with the Indian government and armed forces. Since 1997, Indian tourists have shown consistent support for Jammu & Kashmir, contributing significantly to the revival of tourism in the region. However, a recent tragic incident has once again cast a shadow over Kashmir’s tourism prospects, just as the local economy was beginning to recover. Indian citizens are now leveraging their travel choices to oppose nations perceived as sympathetic to Pakistan and terrorism. Tourism, once seen purely as a leisure activity, is emerging as a powerful vehicle for peacebuilding and national expression, with Indian travellers and the industry alike aligning their decisions with patriotic and diplomatic values.
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