EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings Among Travel Giants Halting Services To Turkey And Azerbaijan

Due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, several travel companies have decided to stop offering travel packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan, after these two nations voiced their support for Pakistan.

In reaction to Turkey and Azerbaijan backing Pakistan during the ongoing conflict, major travel companies like EaseMyTrip, Cox And King, Capture A Trip, and Travomint have halted all bookings to these countries. This decision comes after India's 'Operation Sindoor,' which targeted terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok).

These travel companies have announced a complete suspension of bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan, reflecting national sentiments and increasing concerns over safety and diplomatic relations. This action indicates a broader shift in the industry, with businesses becoming more aware of how their international operations may affect national interests.

Capture A Trip recently announced on social media, "Bharat always comes first; everything else is secondary!"

In response to recent events, Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings, declared, "We have decided to halt all new travel arrangements to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. This choice reflects our dedication to the values that are important to us and to our nation." He also urged Indian travelers to steer clear of these destinations until the situation improves.

EaseMyTrip also mentioned on X that they would recommend traveling to Turkey and Azerbaijan "only if absolutely necessary."

Regarding the current trends, Himanshu Patil, director at Kesari Tours and president of the Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), noted that these countries have gained popularity among Indian travelers, and the recent developments will certainly affect bookings. He expressed, "While travel is my business, it’s understandable that people feel this way. It’s unfortunate that these nations are aligning with Pakistan against India."

In 2024, Azerbaijan Welcomed 243,000 Indian Travelers, And Turkey Attracted 270,000 Indian Travelers

Even GoHomestays, a company curating luxury villas, retreats, and hotels worldwide, has announced, "We are officially ending our partnership with Turkish Airlines due to their unsupportive stance towards India."

Azerbaijan and Turkey had quickly become popular destinations for many Indian travelers, thanks to their rich history, stunning architecture, and relatively easy travel arrangements.

Over the past year, both countries have experienced a significant rise in Indian tourist numbers. Data shows that Azerbaijan welcomed 117,302 Indian visitors in 2023, nearly doubling from 2022, when it was 60,731. In 2024, the number of Indian tourists reached 243,000. Meanwhile, Turkey attracted approximately 270,000 Indian tourists in 2024, with Turkish tourism officials anticipating around 350,000 visitors in 2025. However, these estimates may now be at risk due to ongoing tensions, leading many Indian travelers to consider alternative destinations instead.