Airline travelers heading to Turkey may want to think twice before leaping out of their seats the moment their plane touches down. In a new directive announced by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation, passengers who disobey seatbelt instructions and stand up before the seatbelt sign is turned off after landing will now face financial penalties.
The rule, which quietly came into effect earlier this month, follows a surge in complaints from both passengers and flight crews regarding safety violations immediately after landing. According to the civil aviation authority, there has been a “serious increase” in the number of passengers standing up and attempting to retrieve their cabin luggage from overhead compartments before the aircraft has safely come to a complete stop.
Although the exact fine amount isn’t officially listed in the authority’s new guidance, Turkish media reports estimate the penalty to be around US$70, or approximately £50. The intent behind the policy is to reinforce basic safety protocols, which experts say are too often ignored by passengers eager to exit the plane quickly.
Turkey, a major global tourist destination, welcomes tens of millions of visitors each year. With such high traffic at its airports, aviation authorities are taking steps to reduce risks and ensure smoother operations particularly during high-volume travel seasons.
As part of the enforcement strategy, all commercial airlines operating in Turkish airspace are now mandated to issue updated in-flight announcements before and after landing. These announcements will clearly instruct passengers to remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the aircraft has fully stopped and the seatbelt sign is officially turned off by the pilot.
Airline crew are also required to file a formal “Disruptive Passenger Report” to the Civil Aviation Directorate for any individuals who disregard the instructions. This report will trigger an administrative process, which could result in a fine and, in repeat cases, potentially further action depending on the severity of the infraction.
Turkish Airlines, the nation’s flag carrier, has already modified its landing announcements to reflect the new policy. According to reports by Euronews, passengers are now explicitly warned that failing to comply with seatbelt and deplaning instructions will lead to being reported to the relevant aviation authorities and facing possible fines.
“Passengers who do not comply with the rules will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a Disruptive Passenger Report, and an administrative fine will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations,” the airline now announces during landings.
The move aligns Turkey with a growing number of countries and airlines taking a firmer stance on what’s known as “jumping the gun” after touchdown. While the impulse to stand and grab bags quickly may seem harmless to some, aviation experts stress that sudden movements during taxiing when the aircraft is still in motion can lead to injuries or accidents, especially during abrupt stops.
By reinforcing compliance through penalties, Turkish authorities hope to improve passenger behavior and reduce the risks associated with chaotic and premature disembarkation efforts. As always, passengers are advised to follow crew instructions and prioritize safety over speed.
