Turkey introduces fines for passengers who stand before aircraft stops
Passengers flying in and out of Turkey could now face financial penalties if they unbuckle seat belts or leave their seats before the aircraft has come to a complete halt, under new safety measures introduced by the country’s aviation regulator.
The Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation has enforced updated regulations aimed at curbing a growing trend of unruly cabin behaviour during taxiing after landing, specifically targeting those who stand up too early, retrieve bags from overhead lockers or crowd the aisles.
The move follows multiple reports from flight crews and airport staff highlighting a rise in safety breaches.
“Despite announcements informing passengers of the rules, many are standing up before the aircraft reaches its parking positions and before the seat belt sign is turned off,” the aviation authority noted.
“This behaviour compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travellers.”
All commercial airlines operating within Turkish airspace must now revise their standard post-landing announcements to explicitly include a warning that any breaches of seatbelt or disembarkation protocol will be recorded and reported, reports said.
The new announcement must also encourage passengers to disembark in an orderly manner, respecting the flow of those seated ahead.
