Patriotic boycott calls trigger 250% surge in cancellations for trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan

Indian travel to Turkey and Azerbaijan has taken a significant hit amid rising calls for a boycott following both nations’ expressions of support for Pakistan during India's Operation Sindoor.

According to MakeMyTrip (MMT), one of India’s leading travel booking platforms, there has been a 60% decline in bookings and a 250% surge in cancellations for trips to the two countries over the past week.

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The backlash began after Turkey and Azerbaijan condemned India’s strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, prompting widespread criticism across Indian social media. In response, several hashtags such as #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan began trending, urging citizens to avoid travel to these destinations.

MMT, while continuing to list flights to the two countries, has discontinued promotions and offers, urging customers to avoid non-essential travel. Despite political tensions, both nations have witnessed a surge in Indian tourist arrivals in recent years. Azerbaijan saw Indian arrivals jump from just under 5,000 in 2014 to over 240,000 in 2024, while Turkey welcomed around 330,000 Indian visitors last year.

The latest developments come as nationalist sentiment grows online, with travel companies reevaluating routes and partnerships. While existing bookings remain intact to prevent disruption, the tourism sector faces uncertainty as calls for a sustained boycott continue to intensify.