Turkey Enforces Strict New Rules on Passenger Behavior During Flights

Starting this month, Turkey has implemented fines for passengers who unbuckle their seatbelts or stand before planes have safely stopped taxiing, aiming to ensure safety and compliance with airline regulations.

As air travel continues to present challenges globally, Turkey has taken a definitive stand on passenger behavior by instituting fines for those who disobey specific flight protocols. The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation released these new rules this May, mandating that passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the "fasten seatbelt" sign has been turned off.

This initiative aims to address a recurring issue in aviation: passengers often rush to stand up, grab their luggage, or stretch before it is safe to do so. By penalizing such actions, authorities intend to minimize safety hazards that could arise from sudden aircraft movements. Statistics indicate that early seatbelt unbuckling can lead to injuries from turbulence or falling luggage, as well as obstructing emergency exits.

The Turkish government emphasized that failure to adhere to these rules will result in a disruptive passenger report being sent to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, potentially leading to administrative fines, although the exact amount remains unspecified. There has been no update from Turkish Airlines on how frequently these new regulations have been applied since their launch.

Reports from the International Air Transport Association highlight that disobeying crew instructions was the top type of unruly passenger behavior in 2023. Incidents of violence, harassment, and disruptions have increased, creating both safety and operational challenges for airlines and crews.

In the United States, similar behavioral violations have also prompted regulatory responses, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposing fines of up to $37,000 for disruptive behaviors, and cases referred for criminal investigation in more severe instances.

The rise in disruptive incidents, particularly during the pandemic, has led to stepped-up enforcement actions by airline authorities. Recent data indicates a decline in unruly behavior from previous years, showcasing the airlines' commitment to ensuring a safe travel environment for all passengers.

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times covering breaking news and other topics.