Indian Travelers Boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan: 15,000 Bookings Cancelled Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Key Points

• It seems likely that over 15,000 travel bookings from Uttar Pradesh to Turkey and Azerbaijan have been canceled due to a boycott, reflecting tensions after India’s Operation Sindoor.
• Research suggests the boycott stems from perceived support by Turkey and Azerbaijan for Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.
• The evidence leans toward significant impacts on the travel industry, with a 60% drop in bookings and 250% surge in cancellations, affecting tourism economies.
• Travel agencies like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have urged avoiding non-essential travel, offering full refunds, which may help travelers navigate this situation.

Introduction

In recent weeks, a wave of cancellations has swept through the travel industry, with over 15,000 bookings from Uttar Pradesh to Turkey and Azerbaijan being canceled. This boycott appears to be a response to geopolitical tensions, particularly following India’s “Operation Sindoor,” launched on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives. Travel platforms like MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip have advised against non-essential travel to these countries, offering full refunds to affected travelers.

Background and Context

The boycott seems to stem from allegations that Turkey and Azerbaijan support Pakistan, especially in light of the Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent military actions. Operation Sindoor involved precision strikes on terrorist facilities in Pakistan and PoJK, targeting groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, resulting in significant casualties. This has fueled public outrage in India, with many feeling that traveling to these countries would indirectly support economies complicit in terrorism.

Impact and Industry Response

The travel industry has felt the brunt of this boycott, with reports indicating a 60% decrease in bookings and a 250% surge in cancellations. Last year, 287,000 Indians visited Turkey and 243,000 visited Azerbaijan, contributing significantly to their tourism sectors, which account for 12% of Turkey’s GDP and 7.6% of Azerbaijan’s. Travel agencies have responded by urging caution and offering refunds, potentially easing the financial burden on travelers.

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Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Travel Boycott and Geopolitical Implications

Introduction and Relevance

As of 01:25 PM IST on Sunday, May 18, 2025, the travel industry is witnessing a significant shift due to a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan by Indian travelers. This boycott, triggered by over 15,000 cancellations from Uttar Pradesh alone, reflects broader geopolitical tensions following India’s “Operation Sindoor” and the Pahalgam terror attack.

Background of the Issue

The boycott’s roots lie in the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians were killed by terrorists linked to Pakistan-based groups like The Resistance Force (TRF). India responded with “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, 2025, conducting precision strikes on nine terrorist facilities in Pakistan and PoJK, targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. These strikes, using SCALP cruise missiles from Rafale fighters, resulted in 70 terrorists killed and over 60 injured, as reported by government sources ([Operation Sindoor: Five top figures of LeT and JeM were killed, say security agencies].

Turkey and Azerbaijan’s perceived support for Pakistan, including alleged funding and training of terrorists, has fueled Indian outrage. Historical ties, such as Turkey’s support for Lashkar-e-Taiba and Azerbaijan’s logistical aid, have been highlighted on social media, with hashtags like #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan trending, amplifying the boycott call.

Impact on the Travel Industry

The boycott has had a profound impact, with MakeMyTrip reporting a 60% decrease in bookings and a 250% surge in cancellations in the past week, as per the article from India.com ([After Boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan Trends; 15,000 Bookings Cancelled from Uttar Pradesh; MakeMyTrip Urges People to Refrain Travel in These Countries]. The Purvanchal region, including cities like Varanasi, Azamgarh, and Mau, saw 15,000 cancellations, underscoring regional impact.

Tourism is vital for both countries: Turkey sees 12% of its GDP and 10% of jobs from tourism, while Azerbaijan relies on it for 7.6% of GDP and 10% of employment. Last year, 287,000 Indians visited Turkey, and 243,000 visited Azerbaijan, making India a key market. The sudden drop threatens economic stability, potentially straining diplomatic relations.

Statements from Travel Agencies and Industry Response

Travel agencies have taken a firm stance. Nishant Pitti of EaseMyTrip urged, “We urge our fellow citizens not to use travel to empower those who don’t stand with us,” emphasizing national solidarity. MakeMyTrip advised avoiding non-essential travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, offering full refunds, as confirmed by Indian Airlines, providing relief to travelers Dr. Ajay Singh, National Convenor of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, noted, “This is a moment of national unity,” highlighting the boycott’s emotional and patriotic drivers.

Expert Insights and Broader Implications

Experts like Dr. Ajay Singh suggest the boycott reflects consumer power in geopolitics, potentially affecting long-term diplomatic ties. Analysts from The Hindu ([Operation Sindoor highlights] indicate such boycotts may be short-lived unless tensions persist, but they could strain India-Turkey-Azerbaijan relations. The operation’s strategic resolve, as per PIB, underscores India’s firm stance, influencing traveler sentiment.

Actionable Tips for Travelers

For travelers, navigating such situations requires caution:

• Stay Informed: Check travel advisories from your government and follow credible news, like updates from NDTV.
• Understand Refund Policies: Know cancellation terms to avoid financial losses, as offered by MakeMyTrip and EaseMyTrip.
• Assess Risks: Evaluate destination safety, especially during tensions, using resources like Wikipedia.
• Diversify Destinations: Consider safer alternatives to avoid geopolitical risks.
• Support Ethical Tourism: Choose destinations aligning with your values, supporting local economies not linked to controversy.

Conclusion and Call-to-Action

The boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan by Indian travelers, driven by Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam attack aftermath, highlights the intersection of geopolitics and tourism. With over 15,000 cancellations and significant booking drops, the travel industry faces challenges, while diplomatic relations may strain. Travelers are advised to stay informed and cautious.