Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru: A court in Karnataka has directed the filing of an FIR against senior officials of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. This directive stems from an incident in which it was alleged that an eight-member family was prevented from boarding a flight at Bengaluru Airport at the very last minute, despite holding valid tickets worth 49 lakh.
The incident, which took place at Kempegowda International Airport, has now escalated into a serious legal case involving top executives of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru: What Happened at Bengaluru Airport?
The case dates back to June 19, 2024, when J S Sathishkumar, a Tamil Nadu-based medical institution chairman, planned a family trip to Peru with seven relatives.
They had booked:
- 8 business-class tickets
- Non-refundable fares
- Total cost: around ₹49 lakh
Everything seemed normal at first. The family arrived early, completed initial airport procedures, and waited for boarding.
But just before departure, airline staff informed them they would not be allowed to board.
The Core Issue: Visa Confusion
According to the airline, the passengers lacked a valid Peruvian visa, which made them ineligible to travel.
However, the family strongly disputes this.
They claim:
- Indian passport holders do not need a separate Peru visa
- If they already hold valid visas or residency permits from countries like:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Schengen countries
This visa exemption has been in place since 2017, under certain conditions.
The family alleges that the airline misinterpreted the entry rules, leading to wrongful denial of boarding.
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru: From Airport Shock to Courtroom Battle
What started as a travel disruption soon turned into a legal fight.
A court in Karnataka has now:
- Directed police to register an FIR
- Named senior executives of KLM, including the CEO and COO
This is considered rare, as criminal proceedings against airline leadership in such cases are uncommon.
Allegations Go Beyond Boarding Denial
The family also made a more serious claim.
After protesting at the airport and indicating legal action, they say they were “red-flagged” by the airline internally.
This allegedly led to:
- Additional questioning during future international trips
- The son being stopped in Singapore over a “deportation” record from Peru (a country he never visited)
- Similar scrutiny faced during travel to Australia
These claims have added another layer of controversy to the case.
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Airline’s Response
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has maintained that:
- It must comply with international travel and immigration regulations
- Passengers are responsible for carrying valid documentation
- The airline regrets the inconvenience caused
Why This Case Matters for Travellers
This incident highlights a critical issue many international travellers overlook:
Visa rules are not always straightforward—and sometimes even airlines interpret them differently.
Key takeaways:
- Always verify visa rules from official embassy sources
- Carry printed proof of visa exemptions
- Double-check requirements with the airline before departure
Even a small misunderstanding can lead to:
- Denied boarding
- Financial loss
- Legal complications
- https://www.bengaluruairport.com/
