Thousands of Indian tourists are cancelling their trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan after these two countries supported Pakistan amid Operation Sindoor launched by India in retaliation to Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Several travel sites have also suspended bookings to these two countries in the recent past. In the meantime, ‘Operation Sindoor’ has become a defining moment not only for India-Pakistan ties, but also for India’s bilateral relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan after the massive ‘Boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan’ movement gained momentum in the country.
The development comes after Turkey sided with Pakistan and Turkish Songar drones were used by the Pakistan Army to target India’s military bases and civilian infrastructure. In the wake of these developments, EaseMyTrip announced suspending all flight and hotel bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan
On call to boycott travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, Prashant Pitti said, "We were the first ones to take out a travel advisory against Turkey and Azerbaijan when we got to know that these countries were supporting the wrong side. After us, many travel agencies took our similar advisories."
MakeMyTrip Spokesperson said, "Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60 per cent, while cancellations have surged by 250% during the same period. In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise all against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey. We have already discontinued all promotions and offers on our platform to discourage tourism to these two destinations."
Chairman of Tourism Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Subhash Goyal said, "It is unfortunate that we helped Turkey a lot when there was an earthquake there. We even sent our doctors, dog squad and medical squad. We called it Operation Dost. We could not have imagined that Turkey would take such a step, and it will do everything in connivance with our enemy. The Travel Agent Association of India and the rest of the travel associations have supported a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan".
In addition to EaseMyTrip, Ixigo also announced that the platform is suspending all flight and hotel bookings for Turkey, China and Azerbaijan. On this development, he said enough is Enough! “Blood and Bookings won’t flow together," he said.
Another travel company Pickyourtrail said it is suspending all new travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan for now.
Meanwhile, India is taking a strong stand against the countries that are supporting Pakistan amid rising tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. On the other hand, Turkey and Azerbaijan are facing a massive boycott in the country, with prominent Indian businesses and even politicians voicing support.
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