Bengaluru, 13 April: A family’s long-planned international holiday has turned into a legal dispute after being denied boarding at Kempegowda International Airport, leading to a court directive against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
According to reports, a Karnataka court has ordered the registration of an FIR against senior executives of KLM, including its CEO and COO, following a complaint filed by J S Sathishkumar, a Salem-based medical institution chairman.
Incident at Bengaluru Airport
The incident dates back to June 19, 2024, when Sathishkumar and seven family members were scheduled to travel from Bengaluru to Peru on KLM.
The group had booked eight non-refundable business class tickets worth approximately ₹49 lakh, with a return journey planned in July.
Despite arriving early and completing initial formalities, the family was denied boarding shortly before departure, allegedly due to visa-related issues.
Dispute Over Visa Rules
Airline staff cited the absence of a Peruvian visa as the reason for denial. However, Sathishkumar has disputed this, claiming that:
- Indian passport holders with valid visas or residence permits from countries like the US, UK, Australia, or Schengen states can enter Peru without a separate visa
- The airline misinterpreted entry requirements
Allegations of ‘Red-Flagging’
The complaint further alleges that after raising objections, the family was internally “red-flagged” by the airline, leading to complications during subsequent international travel.
Family members reportedly faced:
- Questioning in Singapore over a supposed deportation
- Additional scrutiny during travel to Australia
Legal Action & Industry Implications
The case has now escalated legally, with the court directing police action under its jurisdiction.
Sathishkumar stated that the issue goes beyond financial loss, emphasizing the need for accountability in airline procedures and passenger handling.
In response, KLM reiterated that it complies with international travel regulations and that passengers are responsible for ensuring correct documentation.
Wider Concerns
The incident raises broader questions around:
- Airline responsibility in verifying travel documents
- Passenger rights in denied boarding cases
- Need for clarity in international visa regulations
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