Dutch airline KLM is under fire after it warned that breastfeeding mums travelling on its routes may be asked to cover up in order to “keep the peace” on-board its flights.

The statement comes after a Californian woman travelling with KLM was asked to shield herself with a blanket while feeding her baby on a flight last month.

In a Facebook post shared earlier this week, Shelby Angel from Sacramento describes feeling “extremely uncomfortable and disrespected” by the surprise request from a flight attendant. But when she complained to the airline, they defended the decision, and said other breastfeeding mums may be asked to do the same – if doing so made fellow passengers uncomfortable.

“Of course, breastfeeding is permitted on board,” the airline said on Twitter. “However, as an international airline company, we transport passengers with a variety of backgrounds.

“Not all passengers feel comfortable with breastfeeding in their vicinity and sometimes these passengers complain to the cabin staff.

“To keep the peace on board, in such cases we will try to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone and that shows respect for everyone’s comfort and personal space. This may involve a request to a mother to cover her breast.”

Unsurprisingly, this stance sparked outcry among campaigners, politicians and parents on Twitter:

Airline sparks outrage over breastfeeding warning to mums