Blood and bookings won't flow together: Ixigo's Aloke Bajpai

In the wake of the Pahalgam attack and escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, major Indian travel companies, including EaseMyTrip, Ixigo, and Cox & Kings, have suspended all tour packages to Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The decision comes amid concerns over the perceived diplomatic leanings of Turkey and Azerbaijan towards Pakistan during the ongoing conflict.

The announcement

Aloke Bajpai, managing director & group CEO, online travel agency Ixigo, confirmed the suspension of all bookings—both flights and accommodations—to Turkey, China, and Azerbaijan.

Bajpai made the declaration on X, saying: “Enough is enough! Blood and bookings won’t flow together,” echoing a sentiment once expressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 regarding the Indus Water Treaty.

Industry response

EaseMyTrip also issued a travel advisory, urging Indian travellers to visit Turkey and Azerbaijan only if “absolutely necessary.” Company chairman and cofounder Nishant Pitti explained the decision, saying: “Travel is a powerful tool. Let’s not use it to empower those who don’t stand with us.”

Pitti highlighted the economic ramifications, noting that in the past year, 2,87,000 Indian tourists visited Turkey and 2,43,000 visited Azerbaijan. Tourism contributes significantly to both economies—comprising 12% of Turkey’s GDP and 7.6% of Azerbaijan’s GDP.

“Every rupee we spend abroad is a vote. Let’s spend it where our values are respected,” he added.

Cox & Kings also announced a temporary pause on all trips to Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

The company stated, “Respect and understanding remain at the core of what we do. However, while the nation waits, so will some of our journeys.”

Flipkart too announced the suspension of all flight, hotel, and holiday package bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan via Flipkart Travel and Cleartrip.