Bengaluru: A planned international vacation for an Indian family turned into a prolonged legal dispute after they were denied boarding despite purchasing expensive tickets, as reported by Firstpost. The incident has raised serious questions about airline procedures and passenger rights.
According to reports cited by Firstpost, the case involves J S Sathishkumar, a Salem-based medical institution chairman, and his family, who had booked eight business-class tickets worth nearly Rs 49 lakh for a trip from Bengaluru to Peru. The journey, scheduled for June 2024, was meant to be a significant family gathering.
However, despite arriving at the airport well in advance and completing initial formalities, the family was stopped from boarding shortly before departure. Airline officials reportedly cited the absence of a valid Peruvian visa as the reason for the denial.
Sathishkumar disputed this explanation, maintaining that the airline misinterpreted Peru’s entry requirements. As noted in reports by The New Indian Express, Indian travellers holding valid visas or residency permits from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, or Schengen nations may be eligible to enter Peru without a separate visa.
The issue escalated further when the family alleged that they were “red-flagged” after protesting the airline’s decision. According to statements shared with media outlets, this allegedly caused complications during subsequent international travel, including questioning by authorities in other countries.
Following the incident, a Karnataka court directed the filing of an FIR against senior executives of the Dutch airline, including its top leadership, as reported by The New Indian Express and referenced by Firstpost. The airline, in its response quoted by media reports, stated that it complies with all applicable travel regulations and emphasised that passengers are responsible for carrying valid documentation.
The case continues to highlight the importance of clarity in international travel requirements and accountability in airline operations.
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