In a rare display of corporate nationalism, Indian travel and booking site ixigo on Saturday suspended all flights and hotel reservations to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. The company made the move amid growing diplomatic tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military action on terror infrastructure along the Pakistan border after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed many.
Declaring the decision on X, ixigo stated, “In solidarity with our nation, ixigo is suspending flight and hotel bookings for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. Because when it comes to Bharat, we don’t think twice. Jai Hind.”
For the love of our nation, we stand united. pic.twitter.com/GqKKzQ4as9
— ixigo (@ixigo) May 10, 2025
Tensions Rise as Countries Respond to Operation Sindoor
India’s forceful reaction has evoked varied responses from the global community. While there have been neutral countries, others have made sharper comments opposing India’s move. Turkey, traditionally Pakistan’s strategic friend, came out with a strongly worded rebuke through its foreign ministry.
“We are following the developments between Pakistan and India with concern. The attack carried out by India last night (6 May) raises the risk of an all-out war. We condemn such provocative steps as well as attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” the Turkish statement added.
Shortly thereafter, Azerbaijan too added its voice to the chorus of alarm, declaring, “The Republic of Azerbaijan expresses its concern over the further escalation of tension between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.”
The statement went on to denounce the raid, stating further, “We condemn military attacks against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that killed and injured several civilians. Being in solidarity with the people of Pakistan, we express condolences to the families of the innocent victims and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.”
China Calls for Restraint, Offers Regret
At the same time, China appealed for restraint and dialogue and condemned India’s military intervention. In a statement, its foreign ministry stated, “China expresses regret over India’s military actions this morning and is concerned about the current developments. China opposes all forms of terrorism. We call on both India and Pakistan to prioritize peace and stability, remain calm and restrained, and avoid taking actions that further complicate the situation.”
Emphasizing its neutral but warning tone, the statement further said, “China finds India’s military operation early this morning regrettable… India and Pakistan are and will always be each other’s neighbors. They’re both China’s neighbors as well.”
A Corporate Patriotism Moment
Ixigo’s daring move has set tongues wagging on social media, with most praising the company for its courage. Symbolic as it may be, the action resonates with increasingly vocal public opinion against countries seen to take the side of enemies in moments of national crisis.
As tensions persist, such acts by private sector players highlight how geopolitical changes can have a ripple effect on the corporate world.
