Indian Court Directs Criminal Action Against KLM Over £40,000 Flight Denial
A court in India has issued a landmark order directing police to register a criminal case against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, following a protracted two-year legal battle initiated by a family who spent nearly £40,000 on business-class tickets to Peru only to be denied boarding at the airport.
Costly Holiday Plans Derailed at Departure Gate
The case originates from June 2024, when the family of J S Sathishkumar, chairman of a medical institution based in Salem, Tamil Nadu, purchased eight round-trip business-class tickets to Peru. The total cost amounted to approximately Rs 4.9 million, equivalent to £40,000.
The family was scheduled to depart from Bengaluru on 19 June 2024 and return on 3 July, planning a 14-day holiday. However, their travel plans were abruptly terminated at the airport when KLM staff refused them boarding at the last moment.
Airline officials stated the family did not possess the appropriate visa documentation required for entry into Peru. This assessment was immediately contested by Mr Sathishkumar, who argued it was based on a fundamental misreading of Peru's entry regulations.
Dispute Over Visa Requirements and Alleged Retaliation
Mr Sathishkumar maintained that Indian nationals holding valid visas or residency permits from specific countries—including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Schengen Area nations—are permitted to enter Peru without obtaining a separate visa. The family protested the airline's decision at the airport and warned of impending legal action.
Following this confrontation, Mr Sathishkumar alleged the family was subsequently "red-flagged" by the airline. He reported that his family has since encountered heightened scrutiny during international travel. In one instance, his son was questioned in Singapore over an alleged "deportation from Peru," despite never having visited the country.
Mr Sathishkumar himself claimed to have faced similar issues during a separate trip to Australia. These experiences prompted him to initiate legal proceedings against KLM in a court in Karnataka, seeking a full refund of the substantial ticket price.
Court Orders Formal Criminal Complaint Against Senior Executives
After two years of litigation, the Karnataka court has now mandated police to register a formal criminal complaint against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The magistrate's order specifically instructs law enforcement to file a case against the airline's chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and other senior executives involved in the boarding decision.
The court directed the police to proceed in accordance with the law, marking a significant escalation in the dispute. Mr Sathishkumar welcomed the court's intervention, stating it was crucial for ensuring corporate accountability.
"Action should be taken. Otherwise, this can happen to anyone," he told The New Indian Express, emphasising the broader implications for consumer rights in international air travel.
The case highlights critical issues surrounding airline responsibility for verifying passenger documentation and the potential consequences of erroneous decisions. The Independent has contacted KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for comment regarding the court's order and the allegations made by the family.
