Family 'red-flagged' and denied boarding after spending £40,000 on KLM flight

A family who says they were denied boarding a KLM flight after spending £40,000 on business-class tickets have been stuck in legal dispute with the airline for two years.

J S Sathishkumar purchased eight non-refundable return tickets for a 14-day trip to Peru for Rs 4.9m (£40,000) back in 2024.

Sathishkumar, the chairman of a medical institution in southern India, had booked to travel out from Bengaluru on 19 June with a 3 July return.

As reported by the New Indian Express, Sathishkumar says he had to wait with his family at the check-in desk before being told that they would not be allowed to board.

The family, who claims they are now 'red-flagged' by the airline, believes KLM misinterpreted entry rules and that's why they weren't able to get past check-in.

The family was says they were denied boarding a £40,000 business-class trip to Peru via KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Getty Stock Images)

KLM, meanwhile, said the family did not have a Peruvian visa, according to the outlet, and this meant they could not enter.

But Sathishkumar argues that Indian nationals with valid visas or residency permits from countries such as the US, UK, Australia or Schengen states are allowed to enter Peru without a separate visa.

Police have now been ordered by an Indian court to file a criminal case against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

The complaint would be against the airline’s chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and other senior executives involved in the decision.

“Action should be taken. Otherwise, this can happen to anyone,” Sathishkumar told the outlet.

J S Sathishkumar purchased eight non-refundable return tickets for a 14-day trip to Peru (Getty Stock Images)

KLM said 'it is obliged to comply with all applicable travel regulations' and that it 'regrets that some passengers experienced inconveniences'.

"Months of planning, weeks of packing, days of excitement, eight round-trip business class tickets, and nearly Rs 50 lakh only for flights – all became futile at Kempegowda Bengaluru Airport, as KLM Airlines denied boarding to J S Sathishkumar, a prominent business tycoon, and his family," a civil judge said, as reported by the Indian Eagle.

"They had planned a celebratory trip to Peru in South America, but it became a nightmare and led to a legal battle."

LADbible Group has contacted KLM for comment.

Why airlines 'red-flag' you

Airlines may 'red-flag' passengers by adding notes to their reservation records after incidents such as visa disputes, denied boarding or disruptive behaviour.

The alert prompts staff to check documents more carefully on future trips, and it usually leads to extra scrutiny at airports rather than a formal ban from flying.

According to the CAA, 'disruptive passengers risk being arrested and facing criminal charges, heavy fines and/or imprisonment for up to two years, having to pay the full cost of a flight diversion' and 'being permanently banned from flying with the airline'