Turkey is enforcing a new travel regulation targeting impatient flyers, imposing fines of up to 2,603 Turkish lira (approximately $70 or Dh255) for passengers who stand up or open overhead bins before the aircraft has come to a complete stop.
The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated airlines to update in-flight announcements to alert travelers about this rule. Cabin crews are now responsible for reporting any violations. The crackdown aims to address growing safety concerns and chaotic disembarkation processes.
Officials warn that premature passenger movement can cause injuries due to sudden stops, falling luggage, and blocked aisles, potentially hindering emergency evacuations. Turkish Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier, has already revised its landing announcements to include clear warnings about penalties for non-compliance. With millions of tourists traveling through Turkey each year, this measure is designed to improve safety and ensure orderly passenger flow.
Under the new rule, passengers must keep their seat belts fastened and remain seated until the plane has fully stopped and the seatbelt sign is switched off. Opening overhead compartments or crowding the aisle before then is prohibited. Violators will be reported to authorities and fined.
This issue is not unique to Turkey. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), failure to follow crew instructions is the most common form of unruly passenger behavior worldwide. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can fine offenders up to $37,000 per violation and may pursue jail time in severe cases.
Passenger incidents increased during the pandemic, largely due to disputes over mask mandates. Flight attendants often faced harassment, verbal abuse, and even physical violence, prompting stricter enforcement measures by authorities globally.
