Flight bookings for Istanbul and Baku are available on platforms including MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip.
India’s travel industry has entered choppy waters following rising tensions with Turkey and Azerbaijan. Several travel platforms are now taking sides, triggering a digital turf war over flight and hotel bookings.
Cleartrip Makes the First Move
Flipkart-owned Cleartrip recently took a strong stance. The company suspended all bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan. This includes flights, hotels, and holiday packages.
In a statement, Cleartrip declared: “Our stand is clear. Our loyalty, unwavering. India Comes First!” The message echoed national sentiment and urged customers to reconsider travel plans.
MakeMyTrip Cuts Promotions, But Keeps Bookings Live
MakeMyTrip, one of India’s largest travel portals, soon joined the chorus. On May 14, the company said it had removed all offers related to Turkey and Azerbaijan. However, unlike Cleartrip, bookings remain open.
The company emphasized its support for national interests. It urged travellers to avoid non-essential visits to these countries, citing respect for the Indian armed forces.
EaseMyTrip Fires a Serious Allegation
EaseMyTrip, while advising caution, hasn’t suspended bookings either. Istanbul remains a key layover route to Europe, which explains their stance. However, the platform took a different route to express concern. Nishant Pitti, Chairman of EaseMyTrip, issued a pointed warning on X (formerly Twitter). He questioned the security of defense personnel data on platforms funded by Chinese investors.
He posted: “Indian Armed Forces book discounted tickets via a platform majorly owned by China, entering Defence ID, route & date. Our enemies know where our soldiers are flying.”
Pitti also shared screenshots showing defense discounts on MakeMyTrip, including codes like MMTDefence offering ₹200 off.
China’s Stake in the Debate
The controversy deepened with revelations about foreign investment. China’s Ctrip, the largest online travel firm in the country, holds a 49% stake in MakeMyTrip. This sparked privacy and security concerns, especially regarding sensitive travel data.
Turkish Tourism Board Responds with a Plea
As tensions rise, Turkey’s capital Ankara stepped in to address Indian concerns. The city’s Department of Tourism released a statement appealing to Indian tourists not to cancel trips.
The board emphasized that the conflict has no impact on daily life or the tourist environment in Turkey. They claimed the majority of Turkish citizens are unaware of India’s border issues.
The statement read: “Indian travellers are welcomed and treated with the utmost courtesy across Türkiye. All travel operations are functioning as usual. There are no restrictions or safety concerns for Indian guests.”
National Sentiment Versus Business Realities
The situation has evolved into more than a foreign policy ripple. It’s a test of corporate patriotism in India’s booming travel market. Platforms are navigating tricky terrain—balancing public sentiment, political alignment, and commercial interests.
With travel players now questioning each other’s integrity, the episode has become a reflection of rising nationalism intersecting with consumer business.
What This Means for Indian Travellers
Travellers must now make informed decisions. While some platforms have banned bookings entirely, others continue offering services but warn against travel.
This divide leaves Indian users in a state of confusion, raising broader questions about the role of politics in commerce and data safety. As the digital skirmish plays out, one thing is clear: travel in 2025 isn’t just about destinations—it’s about diplomacy, data, and decisions.
