India-Maldives Row: Airlines Clarify Amidst Mass Cancellation Claims

Amid escalating tensions between India and the Maldives, unverified reports on Indian social media suggested widespread cancellations of hotel bookings and flight tickets to the Maldives.

These rumours surfaced following alleged derogatory remarks made by a top Maldivian minister against Indian PM Narendra Modi after his recent Lakshadweep visit.

Airlines Dispute Mass Cancellation Claims

IndiGo Denies Trends

IndiGo, India’s largest domestic and international airline, dismissed the reports of mass ticket cancellations to the Maldives. A representative stated exclusively to WION, “There is no trend at all. There are no such ticket cancellations” without providing further details. IndiGo is a key player in non-stop flights between India and the Maldives.

Vistara Awaits Developments

Vistara Airlines, another significant player in the India-Maldives route, declined to comment initially. However, Chief Commercial Officer Deepak Rajawat later addressed the issue during a press brief, stating that Vistara has not cancelled any flights and will monitor the demand in the coming weeks. “The situation is very evolving right now… we will have to monitor in a week or so,” he said.

Awaiting Air India’s Response

Air India, another prominent carrier for India-Maldives routes, is yet to respond to queries regarding the alleged cancellations.

Unverified Reports on Social Media

Earlier unverified reports on Indian social media claimed over 8,000 hotel bookings and 2,500 flight tickets to the Maldives were cancelled. The reports emerged amidst online campaigns urging a boycott of the Maldives until an official apology was issued.

EaseMyTrip Takes a Stand

While official data confirms no mass cancellations yet, online travel giant EaseMyTrip has made a strong statement by suspending all Maldives flight bookings. This move demonstrates solidarity with India and reflects the anger many citizens feel after the offensive remarks.

Boycott Buzz Takes Off

The #BoycottMaldives hashtag erupted on platforms like Twitter, fueled by calls for an official apology from the Maldivian government. Many users shared screenshots of cancelled travel plans, expressing their disapproval of the comments made against PM Modi.

Maldives Reacts, Suspensions and Clarifications

Facing significant backlash, the Maldivian government swiftly suspended three deputy ministers involved in the controversy. This decisive action serves as an attempt to contain the damage and appease India.

Looking Ahead: Uncertain Skies

While the immediate impact on tourism remains unclear, it’s evident that the India-Maldives relationship is in choppy waters. The extent of the travel boycott and its long-term effects will depend on several factors, including official diplomatic responses and potential changes in sentiment among Indian tourists.

(With Inputs From Wion)