In brief
Turkey's civil aviation authority now mandates fines for passengers who stand before the plane has come to a complete stop, amidst rising complaints of disruptive behavior.
Turkey's civil aviation authority has announced new regulations aimed at improving passenger safety and enhancing discipline during the landing process. Effective this month, airline passengers arriving in Turkey will face fines if they stand up before the seatbelt sign has been turned off after landing. This decision follows numerous complaints from travelers regarding unruly behavior, particularly concerning passengers attempting to retrieve overhead luggage prior to the aircraft being fully parked.According to Turkish media sources, the fines are expected to be around US$70 (£50), although the specific amount has not been detailed in the authority's guidance. The move comes in response to a "serious increase" in incidents where passengers disregard safety protocols.To enforce these regulations, airlines are now required to make an official in-flight announcement instructing passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened and to wait until the seatbelt sign has been turned off before standing or accessing overhead lockers. Passengers who do not comply with these directives will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation by the airline, as indicated by Turkish Airlines, the national carrier, which has updated its landing announcement protocols.Overall, these measures reflect Turkey's commitment to ensuring a safe travel experience for millions of tourists who visit the country each year.
