Passengers arriving in Turkey by air may now face financial penalties if they unbuckle their seat belts or stand up prematurely after landing. A new regulation introduced by the country’s civil aviation authority aims to address the growing number of travelers who rush to disembark the aircraft before being permitted, potentially disrupting order and safety procedures.
Coming into effect in early May, the rule targets the common practice of passengers removing their seat belts and gathering their belongings while the aircraft is still taxiing and the fasten seat belt sign remains on. According to Turkey’s aviation authority, this behavior has been widely reported in passenger complaints and confirmed through onboard inspections.
While aviation laws in many countries include similar rules about remaining seated until the aircraft comes to a full stop and the seat belt sign is switched off, enforcement is typically lax. Turkey’s move is a rare example of formal penalties being imposed on offenders. The regulation itself does not specify an exact fine amount, but Turkish media reports cite a figure of 2,603 Turkish lira—approximately US$67—for those caught violating the rule.
In addition to penalizing passengers who stand up too early, the regulation also addresses the issue of crowding near the exit. Even after the seat belt sign has been turned off, passengers are expected to remain seated and wait their turn to leave, without moving forward past others still gathering their belongings.
Airlines operating in Turkey are now required to reinforce this regulation through a specific in-flight announcement that instructs passengers not to stand or move until it is their turn to exit the aircraft. Airlines that fail to comply with this communication requirement may also be subject to administrative penalties.
Reports suggest that national carrier Turkish Airlines has already briefed its flight attendants about the rule change, ensuring that cabin crew are prepared to enforce the policy. The measure is seen as part of a broader effort to promote onboard discipline and maintain safety standards during the final stages of flight operations, especially amid growing concerns about passenger behavior and compliance.
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