An Indian businessman has recounted how his family's dream holiday to Peru, costing £70,000, ended in a two-year legal battle against Dutch airline KLM after they were denied boarding at Bengaluru airport.
The Dream Holiday That Never Took Off
JS Sathishkumar, 53, a businessman from Tamil Nadu, had meticulously planned a 14-day trip to Peru to celebrate his daughter-in-law's birthday. The family of eight, including an infant, had booked return business-class flights for £38,000, along with hotel reservations, a heritage train to Machu Picchu, and an Amazon rainforest experience. However, on 19 June 2024, their journey came to an abrupt halt at the check-in counter.
Denied Boarding Despite Valid Documents
The family arrived at Kempegowda International Airport after a 200km drive from Salem city. They had completed online check-in and printed boarding passes. However, KLM staff allegedly tore up their boarding passes and removed baggage tags without explanation, leaving the family stranded. Sathishkumar insists they had all necessary documents, including valid US, Australian, or Schengen visas, which should have qualified them for visa-free entry to Peru under an exemption for holders of visas with at least six months' validity.
Legal and Immigration Ordeal
After being denied boarding, Sathishkumar faced difficulties filing a police complaint. In December 2024, he approached a court in Devanahalli, which ordered a criminal case against KLM in April 2026. The family also discovered that their passports had been red-flagged, leading to questioning at Australian border control. Sathishkumar alleges KLM placed false information in immigration systems, causing humiliation and stress. He further claims his daughter-in-law suffered a miscarriage due to the psychological trauma.
KLM's Response
KLM acknowledged the incident and stated it is investigating internally. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience but declined further comment due to privacy concerns. Sathishkumar seeks answers about what happened to their tickets and who authorised the passport red-flagging.
The family has not attempted to rebook the trip, as the memory of the failed attempt overshadows any future plans. Sathishkumar describes the experience as a nightmare, emphasising the emotional and financial toll on his family.
