A family’s dream international holiday has turned into a legal battle after a Karnataka court directed police to register an FIR against senior executives of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines over a denied boarding incident at Bengaluru airport.
The order was reportedly issued by a court in Devanahalli, under whose jurisdiction Kempegowda International Airport falls.
Family denied boarding for Peru trip
The complaint was filed by J S Sathishkumar from Salem.
He alleged that he and seven family members were denied boarding on June 19, 2024, for a planned journey from Bengaluru to Peru despite arriving early and completing initial formalities.
The family had reportedly purchased eight non-refundable business-class tickets worth around ₹49 lakh.
Visa confusion at centre of dispute
According to the complaint, airline staff stopped the family shortly before departure citing the absence of a Peruvian visa.
Sathishkumar has contested the decision, claiming the airline failed to correctly interpret Peru’s entry rules for Indian passport holders possessing valid visas or residence permits from certain countries.
Alleged travel complications later
The complainant further alleged that after protesting the decision, the family was internally “red-flagged”, leading to difficulties during later foreign travel.
He claimed family members were questioned in Singapore and Australia over alleged deportation-related concerns.
Airline responds
KLM reportedly said it must comply with all immigration and travel regulations and that passengers are responsible for carrying correct documentation.
The airline also expressed regret over inconvenience caused.
Wider questions raised
The case has sparked fresh discussion on passenger rights, airline accountability and document verification for international travel departing from Bengaluru Peru trip tickets was denied boarding at Bengaluru airport.