Bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan Plunge 60% Amid Geopolitical Fallout

A dramatic shift in Indian outbound travel trends is unfolding as Indian tourists rapidly cancel trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan—two once-popular holiday destinations—after both nations expressed public support for Pakistan following India’s recent military response to the Pahalgam attack.

The backlash from Indian travellers has been swift and decisive, triggering a 60% drop in new bookings and a 250% surge in cancellations across leading travel portals. For B2B travel professionals, tour operators, and DMCs, this calls for immediate realignment of packages, partnerships, and promotional strategies.

India’s Sentiment Turns: Booking Trends Collapse

According to data released by MakeMyTrip (MMT), bookings for Turkey and Azerbaijan have dropped by 60% in just one week. Cancellation rates have skyrocketed by 250%.

“Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments, with a visible shift in booking behaviour,” said an MMT spokesperson.

MMT has also halted all active promotions and discounts for Turkey and Azerbaijan, discouraging tourism to these destinations in solidarity with public sentiment.

Travel Platforms Respond Swiftly

•EaseMyTrip

• Cancellation rates hit 30% for Azerbaijan and 22% for Turkey

• Travelers are redirecting toward Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Thailand, and Vietnam

• Issued an advisory urging Indians to reconsider travel to the affected countries

•Ixigo

• Suspended all bookings (flights + hotels) to Turkey, China, and Azerbaijan

• CEO Aloke Bajpai stated:

“Enough is Enough! Blood and bookings won’t flow together.”

•Cleartrip

• Reported a 260% increase in cancellations for Turkey and Azerbaijan

• Urged deferral of non-essential travel to both destinations
  

What the Numbers Reveal

According to recent figures:

• 287,000 Indians traveled to Turkey in the last year

• 243,000 Indian visitors went to Azerbaijan

These numbers are expected to decline sharply for Q2–Q3 FY25, based on current sentiment and mass cancellations.

MMT also reported its Q4 FY25 profit at $29.2 million, down from $171.9 million YoY—though last year’s figure included one-time gains. Even after adjustments, the remittance wave away from these destinations is expected to weigh on Q1 FY26 performance.

B2B Impact: Airline & Partner Shifts Begin

Multiple Indian tour operators are now re-evaluating partnerships with Turkish and Azerbaijani providers:

• Go Homestays: Terminated its partnership with Turkish Airlines

• Cox & Kings: Suspended all new packages for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan

Travel agencies handling corporate retreats, incentive tours, and FIT bookings are urgently advised to pause or redirect marketing campaigns, review existing bookings, and notify clients of alternative destinations.

Where Are Travelers Going Instead?

Travel demand is shifting to safer and neutral zones, including:

• Georgia

• Serbia

• Greece

• Thailand

• Vietnam
  

These alternatives are visa-friendly, culturally rich, and currently free from political tension—making them ideal substitutes for upcoming summer and Diwali travel plans.

Final Takeaway for Travel Professionals

India’s reaction to the political stance of Turkey and Azerbaijan is a reminder of how geopolitical narratives can instantly reshape demand. For B2B travel agents, this is the time to:

• Pause all outbound marketing for Turkey and Azerbaijan

• Offer alternate packages proactively to retain bookings

• Monitor policy updates and statements from the Ministry of External Affairs

• Reassure clients with refund or rebooking support
  

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