CHENNAI: The two passengers, who managed to board an Air France flight from the Chennai airport and reach Paris last week, were Sri Lankan nationals, according to immigration sources.

Preliminary investigation revealed they were in possession of different passports and used these for booking tickets and completing the check-in formalities. Officials had traced the travel agent through whom the tickets were booked.

A senior Immigration officer said both the passengers had destroyed their passports and other documents during transit. This clearly indicated they had used fake documents to book the tickets as well as to check-in.

Asylum sought

The sources said the Lankan nationals had sought asylum in Paris and would not be deported to India immediately.

Another officer said many Sri Lankan nationals adopted a similar method and later applied for refugee status. In most cases the pleas were rejected and they would be deported. The process of according refugee status or giving asylum to such illegal travellers would take more than a month's time.

Immigration and Customs officials had summoned the pilot of the Air France flight, which took off early last Friday without obtaining the signature of Immigration and Customs officials in the General Declaration. The officials expected the pilot to arrive by the Air France flight early on Tuesday. He did not turn up.

The Customs officials said they were planning to issue a show-cause notice to Air France, and may levy penalty for the violation.

A senior officer said the airlines was given time till Monday.

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