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Indian Tourists Cancel Trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan Over Support for Pakistan

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Indian travel platforms are reporting a sharp drop in bookings and a surge in cancellations for trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan, following the two countries’ statements of support for Pakistan during its recent conflict with India.

The diplomatic row follows a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad. India retaliated with cross-border strikes last week, targeting what it called terrorist camps, prompting escalating tensions. Although a ceasefire has since been agreed, the fallout continues to affect international travel plans.

Travel Industry Reaction

According to MakeMyTrip, one of India’s largest travel booking firms:

  • Bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan have dropped 60% over the past week.

  • Cancellations have surged by 250% during the same period.

EaseMyTrip CEO Rikant Pittie confirmed similar trends, noting:

  • 22% rise in cancellations for Turkey.

  • 30% increase in cancellations for Azerbaijan.

  • Travellers are instead opting for Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam as alternative destinations.

“When these nations openly support Pakistan, should we fuel their tourism and their economies?”
— Nishant Pitti, Founder & Chairman, EaseMyTrip

Meanwhile, ixigo, another prominent travel app, announced on X that it is suspending all bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China, citing geopolitical tensions.

Context and Numbers

  • In 2023, 287,000 Indians visited Turkey, and 243,000 visited Azerbaijan, according to EaseMyTrip’s Nishant Pitti.

  • Both destinations have become increasingly popular with Indian tourists due to affordability, visa ease, and cultural appeal.

However, the political backlash following perceived support for Pakistan is prompting a broader nationalistic consumer shift, with Indians re-evaluating not only leisure destinations but also their economic impact through tourism.

While travel to the region may resume depending on diplomatic developments, the current climate highlights how foreign policy and public sentiment can rapidly influence tourism flows and international business ties.