Archive · 2 Nov 2025
India Denies Role in Nepali Woman's Denied Boarding in Delhi
A woman from Nepal was traveling to Germany through Delhi.
When she tried to board her next flight with Qatar Airways, the airline stopped her from traveling.
The airline was worried about her visa for Germany.
India's government clarified that their immigration officers did not stop her.
They said that when people are just changing planes in India to go to another country, it's the airline's job to check if the passenger has the right documents.
The airline then sent her back to Nepal.
She was able to travel to Germany later on a different flight plan.
A Nepali national, Shambhavi Adhikari, was denied boarding for her connecting flight from Delhi to Berlin by Qatar Airways.
India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that Indian immigration authorities were not involved in the decision.
The MHA clarified that the airline denied boarding due to concerns regarding the passenger's visa validity for Germany.
The ministry emphasized that international transit passengers do not need to go through Indian immigration for onward journeys.
Adhikari later successfully traveled to Berlin via a different route after rescheduling her travel.
- Who
- Shambhavi Adhikari, a Nepali citizen
- What
- Was denied boarding for a connecting flight from Delhi to Berlin by Qatar Airways.
- When
- Recently (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Why
- Qatar Airways denied boarding due to concerns about the passenger's visa validity for Germany.
Allegations of Discrimination and Mistreatment
MHA Clarification
Involvement in Denied Boarding
Allegations of Discrimination and Mistreatment
Reports suggested the incident was portrayed as discriminatory and that Nepali nationals faced issues.
MHA Clarification
The MHA stated that Indian immigration authorities played no role; the decision was solely that of the airline concerned.
Reason for Denial
Allegations of Discrimination and Mistreatment
Implied that the denial was due to bias against Nepali citizens.
MHA Clarification
The airline denied boarding based on concerns about the passenger's visa validity for Germany, in line with destination country requirements.
Role of Indian Authorities
Allegations of Discrimination and Mistreatment
The incident was reported as involving authorities preventing travel.
MHA Clarification
The MHA emphasized that international transit passengers do not require Indian immigration clearance; it is an airline-passenger matter.
- Passenger Nationality
- Nepali
- Passenger Destination
- Berlin, Germany
- Airport
- Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Airline Denying Boarding
- Qatar Airways
- Reason for Denial
- Airline concern over visa validity for Germany
- Indian Government Stance
- Indian immigration authorities played no role in the boarding denial.
Sources
No Role of India in Stopping Nepali Citizen from Travelling to Berlin: MHA
Home Ministry denies Nepali woman’s claim of preventing her from flying to Berlin from Delhi
Indian immigration had no role in disallowing Nepali citizen’s travel: MHA
No role of India in stopping Nepali citizen from travelling to Berlin: MHA
