India’s travel boycott has hit Turkey and Azerbaijan’s tourism hard, with booking cancellations soaring and future reservations plunging. Geopolitical tensions are reshaping international travel trends in South Asia.
The boycott stems from widespread public anger over Turkey and Azerbaijan’s open support for Pakistan during the latest India-Pakistan conflict, particularly following India’s Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Massive Booking Declines and Cancellations
According to data from major Indian travel agencies, the fallout has been immediate and severe. MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip reported that bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan dropped by nearly 60% in just one week. Meanwhile, cancellations skyrocketed—up to 250% and 260%, respectively. These unprecedented figures are directly tied to viral boycott campaigns launched by Indian citizens across social media platforms starting May 8.
Travel companies were quick to respond. Many agencies halted new bookings, suspended ongoing tour packages, and issued travel advisories warning customers to reconsider trips to these destinations. Representatives from firms like MakeMyTrip and Le Travenues Technology have confirmed the suspension of all promotions related to travel services to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Other platforms, including Easy Trip Planners and Cox & Kings, also followed suit.
Social Media’s Role in Fueling the Boycott
The rapid mobilization of public sentiment was largely driven by social media. Hashtags calling for boycotts of Turkey and Azerbaijan quickly went viral, spreading across Twitter (X), Instagram, and YouTube. Indian users shared personal testimonies, political critiques, and calls to action, urging fellow travelers to avoid spending in countries perceived to oppose national interests.
The impact was not confined to the travel industry. Politicians, influencers, and grassroots activists amplified the message, reinforcing the perception that international travel choices are also political expressions. This phenomenon has triggered intense debate around tourism’s role in diplomatic and ideological confrontations.
Recent Growth in India-Turkey-Azerbaijan Tourism Now Reversing
Before the current conflict, Turkey and Azerbaijan had become increasingly popular among Indian tourists, thanks to affordability, scenic appeal, and improved air connectivity. The post-pandemic recovery had been especially strong. In 2024 alone, Turkey welcomed nearly 500,000 Indian visitors—a 100% increase compared to 2019. Azerbaijan, too, saw a dramatic rise, with over 80,000 Indian travelers visiting Baku after IndiGo launched direct flights in 2023.
However, the political alignment of these countries with Pakistan has quickly undermined that growth. In particular, a public statement by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, affirming unwavering support for Pakistan, drew widespread backlash in India. Similarly, Azerbaijan condemned India’s military operations and voiced solidarity with Pakistan, escalating diplomatic strain further.
India Travel Booking and Cancellation Data
| Metric | Turkey | Azerbaijan |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Decrease (May 2025) | ↓ 60% | ↓ 60% |
| Cancellation Increase | ↑ 250% | ↑ 260% |
| Indian Visitors in 2024 | ~500,000 | ~80,000 |
| Direct Flight Start Year | 2019 (Istanbul) | 2023 (Baku) |
Concerns in the Aviation Sector
The boycott’s effects are also being felt within the airline industry. With travel volume in decline, questions have emerged about the sustainability of direct flight routes operated by Indian carriers. IndiGo, for instance, invested heavily in launching flights to both Istanbul and Baku. Some industry leaders have advised caution before suspending these connections entirely, warning of long-term strategic losses.
A senior executive from a major Indian airline noted that reducing India’s direct international links could give Middle Eastern carriers—such as Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways—greater dominance. These airlines already control a substantial share of the India-Europe market. Further weakening of Indian carriers on these routes could lead to longer travel durations and higher fares for Indian passengers, shifting the balance of regional aviation power away from domestic providers.
Outlook: Travel Caution and Political Impact
Industry experts are urging travelers to monitor official government advisories and keep abreast of security and diplomatic developments. Flexibility and awareness will be crucial in the weeks ahead, especially as emotions remain high and the geopolitical situation continues to evolve.
At the same time, travel companies are reassessing their risk strategies and exposure to politically volatile regions. The situation has highlighted the need for agile response systems, sensitive marketing approaches, and diversified destination offerings. Companies dependent on outbound tourism from India may increasingly focus on neutral destinations or regions with stronger bilateral relations.
For Turkey and Azerbaijan, the road to rebuilding trust with Indian tourists could be long. Unless diplomatic ties improve and public opinion softens, the loss in tourism revenue and reputation may continue to ripple through their economies and the broader travel ecosystem.
