Turkey Enforces Fines for Airline Passengers Who Stand Before Landing

Mon Sep 15 2025 21:52:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

New regulations have been introduced to enforce aircraft passenger behavior in Turkey, targeting those who rise before the plane has come to a complete stop.

In response to a growing number of passenger complaints, the Turkish civil aviation authority has mandated that passengers be penalized if they attempt to stand before the seatbelt sign is off after landing. The newly implemented rules aim to enhance safety and maintain order during a critical time of travel.

Beginning earlier this month, passengers disobeying these guidelines could face fines around $70 (£50), although the exact amount remains unspecified in official communications. The authority indicated a concerning spike in incidents where passengers were seen retrieving luggage from overhead compartments too early, leading to safety risks.

Turkey's tourism sector, welcoming tens of millions of visitors annually, is under scrutiny as these regulations take shape. Airlines are now required to make in-flight announcements reminding passengers to remain seated with seatbelts fastened until the seatbelt sign goes off. Non-compliant passengers must be reported to the civil aviation authority, hence enforcing stricter compliance measures.

Turkish Airlines, the national airline, has adjusted its arrival protocols accordingly. Upon landing, they now inform passengers that violations will result in a Disruptive Passenger Report to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, paving the way for potential fines as per existing laws. The BBC has reached out to Turkish Airlines for further details.