India and Nepal Reaffirm Smooth Travel Relations After Airline Stops Passenger from Berlin Flight

Published on November 3, 2025

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of India has issued a detailed clarification regarding the recent incident involving a Nepali citizen who was denied boarding on a Berlin-bound flight at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The clarification emphasized that the decision to prevent the passenger from boarding was made solely by the airline, not by Indian immigration authorities. This announcement came after widespread speculation suggesting that the individual had been stopped by Indian officials due to nationality-based bias. The MHA’s statement firmly dismissed these claims, stressing that India maintains a long-standing relationship of trust, cooperation, and open borders with Nepal, and that the country has no policies of discrimination against Nepali travelers.

The passenger, identified as Shambhavi Adhikari, had been transiting through Delhi en route to Germany when the airline determined that her visa validity did not meet the requirements of the destination country. The Ministry further clarified that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of airlines and destination country regulations, not immigration authorities. The clarification was aimed at ensuring continued confidence in India-Nepal travel and tourism relations.

India Clarifies Its Role in the Berlin Flight Incident

In a formal statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs made it clear that the Indian immigration authorities had no involvement in the incident at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Ministry explained that the Nepali passenger had already cleared her arrival procedures in India while transiting from Kathmandu. When preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight bound for Berlin, she was stopped by the airline after an assessment of her visa documentation revealed issues related to its validity.

The Ministry pointed out that the airline took this decision in compliance with international aviation and immigration regulations that govern travel between transit points and final destinations. As per these global standards, airlines are held accountable for verifying visa validity before boarding passengers on outbound international flights. Any failure in this process can result in penalties from the destination country, which makes airlines cautious when reviewing travel documents.

Airline Responsibility and Standard Protocols

According to the official clarification, Adhikari had arrived in Delhi from Kathmandu aboard an Air India flight. As a transit passenger, she was not required to undergo Indian immigration clearance. While attempting to continue her journey to Germany on Qatar Airways, the airline’s ground staff reviewed her documents and concluded that the visa validity did not satisfy the requirements for entry into Berlin.

Consequently, as part of standard airline protocol, the passenger was denied boarding and was flown back to Kathmandu. This decision, the Ministry emphasized, was strictly between the airline and the passenger. The Indian immigration system had no role in the decision, nor was the individual ever in contact with Indian authorities for this matter.

These events underline how airlines often act as the first line of verification for visa and travel document compliance, ensuring that passengers meet all requirements of their destination country. This system protects both travelers and the airline from complications at immigration checkpoints abroad.

Clarification on Transit Passenger Procedures

The MHA explained that international transit passengers passing through Indian airports are typically not required to engage with immigration authorities unless they are entering India or changing terminals that require immigration clearance. For those remaining within the international transit area, all documentation and security procedures are managed by the airline and airport authorities, not the Bureau of Immigration.

This clarification was intended to highlight the seamless nature of India’s transit system, which functions efficiently for international travelers. The Ministry reiterated that in this case, the airline’s internal policy and coordination with German authorities dictated the course of action, not any directive from the Indian side.

Passenger’s Subsequent Travel and Resolution

Following the incident, Shambhavi Adhikari reportedly rescheduled her journey and successfully traveled to Berlin through a different route originating from Kathmandu. This confirms that there were no restrictions placed on her by either Indian or Nepali authorities.

Her case, however, drew significant attention on social media, where several users speculated that India had discriminated against a Nepali national. The MHA’s official statement sought to dispel these misunderstandings and to reaffirm that both countries share deep-rooted social, cultural, and travel connections.

India-Nepal Relations and Border Cooperation

India and Nepal share one of the world’s most open borders, allowing citizens of both countries to travel, work, and reside freely in each other’s territory without the need for a visa. This arrangement reflects decades of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The recent clarification from the MHA underscored India’s continued commitment to preserving this open and welcoming relationship.

The Ministry reaffirmed that India values its strong relationship with Nepal, emphasizing that there is no bias or discrimination against Nepali citizens in any aspect of India’s travel, tourism, or immigration policies. The incident was described as a technical airline matter unrelated to immigration practices.

Tourism and people-to-people exchanges between India and Nepal have historically played a central role in fostering goodwill. Both governments continue to promote cross-border tourism initiatives that encourage travelers to explore destinations such as Kathmandu, Lumbini, Pokhara, and New Delhi, strengthening economic and cultural ties.

Importance of Clarity for International Travelers

The incident highlights the importance of clear communication between airlines, passengers, and immigration authorities during international travel. While immigration services in transit countries like India operate efficiently, travelers must ensure that their documentation complies fully with destination country visa regulations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs used the opportunity to remind passengers that airlines have the ultimate authority to make boarding decisions when visa validity issues arise. This system is an essential part of global aviation governance, ensuring compliance with international entry requirements and safeguarding both travelers and airlines from potential complications.

Reassurance to Nepali Travelers and Broader Tourism Context

By issuing this clarification, the Indian government aimed to reassure Nepali travelers and the wider international community that India remains an open and reliable transit hub for global passengers. The Delhi Airport, as one of the busiest international transit points in South Asia, continues to facilitate millions of passengers every year without incident.

India’s stance also reflects its broader commitment to regional tourism growth, particularly in collaboration with Nepal, Bhutan, and other neighboring countries. The region’s interconnected transport networks, shared cultural heritage, and tourism-friendly policies make South Asia a compelling destination for travelers from across the world.

The clarification by the Ministry of Home Affairs effectively addressed the misinformation surrounding the Delhi airport incident involving Shambhavi Adhikari. It confirmed that the airline’s decision, based on visa validity, was the sole reason behind the denied boarding, with no interference from Indian immigration authorities.

The event, while unfortunate, serves as a reminder of the intricate coordination required in international air travel. It also reaffirmed the strength of India-Nepal relations, rooted in mutual trust, cultural affinity, and open-border cooperation. Through this response, India sought to maintain the integrity of its immigration system while continuing to uphold its long-standing tradition of hospitality and partnership with Nepal in the realm of travel and tourism.