As Indian traders and businesses enforce a nationwide boycott of Turkiye and Azerbaijan over their pro-Pakistan stance, one of the worst-hit companies could be IndiGo Airlines. The airline, which has heavily relied on Turkiye’s Istanbul as its international transit hub, now faces uncertain demand for its codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines.
IndiGo’s Strategic Partnership with Turkiye
IndiGo had positioned Istanbul as a key transit hub, offering cost-effective two-stop flights from India to Europe and the USA via Turkish Airlines. This strategy allowed IndiGo to compete with Emirates and Air India in the lucrative westward international traffic market.
However, with the boycott gaining momentum, IndiGo’s passenger flow to Turkiye could decline, impacting its long-term expansion plans. The airline had also introduced direct flights to Baku, Azerbaijan, which saw a surge in Indian tourists—rising from 60,000 in 2022 to 250,000 in 2024.
Impact of the Boycott on IndiGo
- Declining demand for flights to Istanbul and Baku
- Potential loss of revenue from codeshare agreements
- Uncertainty over future expansion in Turkiye and Azerbaijan
- Possible reconsideration of its international strategy
Looking Ahead
IndiGo’s leadership is reportedly monitoring the situation, with CEO Pieter Elbers hoping that the boycott does not significantly impact demand. While the airline remains committed to its global expansion, the Turkiye-Azerbaijan boycott could force IndiGo to rethink its international strategy in the coming months.
