Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Airlines Refuse to Transport Indian Remains Without Original Passports
Imagine four people from India sadly passed away in other countries.
Their families want to bring their bodies home for funerals.
But the airplanes won't take the bodies because they need the original passport of the person who passed away.
The Indian embassies in those countries have given special permission, called a No Objection Certificate (NOC), saying it's okay to send the bodies.
However, the airlines are still worried they might get in trouble with the Indian government if they don't have the actual passport.
A group called Team Aid is trying to help the families and is asking the Indian government to make a rule so that the permission letters from the embassies are enough.
They believe this is a humanitarian issue and want the government to solve it quickly so the families can say goodbye properly.
The bodies of four Indian citizens remain stranded in foreign countries due to airline policies.
Airlines are refusing to transport the remains without original passports, despite No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from Indian diplomatic missions.
The NGO Team Aid is highlighting these cases and urging government intervention.
Affected families are experiencing significant distress as they cannot perform final rites.
Calls are being made for the Bureau of Immigration to accept NOCs as sufficient documentation for repatriation on humanitarian grounds.
- Who
- Four Indian citizens and their families, supported by the NGO Team Aid, Indian diplomatic missions, and diaspora organizations.
- What
- The remains of four Indian citizens are stranded abroad because airlines are refusing to transport them without original passports, despite No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from Indian consulates and embassies.
- When
- The issue has been escalated to government officials starting July 15th, with ongoing appeals.
- Where
- The remains are stranded in various foreign countries, with one case mentioned involving the Texas border.
- Why
- Airlines are citing concerns over potential penalties from Indian immigration authorities if original passports are not presented, while NGOs and families argue that NOCs should suffice due to circumstances where original passports may be unavailable (lost, damaged, etc.).
- Organization Involved
- Team Aid
- Number of Cases Highlighted
- 4 (plus 1 set of ashes)
- Core Issue
- Airlines require original passports for transporting deceased individuals, even with No Objection Certificates from Indian missions.
- Legal Basis Argument
- Article 21 of the Indian Constitution (Right to Dignity)
- Government Bodies Contacted
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs