Turkey is set to introduce a new policy which will see passengers fined if they stand up before the plane is fully parked and the seatbelt signs are switched off. The new directive could catch out millions of Brits, as many tend to undo their seatbelts and stand up while the plane is taxiing to the gate in order to grab their belongings or beat the rush to exit.
With 4.4 million British tourists visiting Turkey in 2024, a 16.6% increase from 2023's 3.3 million, many could fall foul of the new rules. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Turkey: "The 'Passenger Announcements Circular' No. UOD – 2025/01, prepared to revise and promptly implement standard, up-to-date announcements with the aim of warning passengers who smoke or use tobacco products on board, as well as those who stand up and disrupt order before the aircraft reaches its parking position and before the seatbelt signs are turned off, in order to discipline such passengers and raise awareness among all passengers, was approved by the Directorate General and entered into force on 02.05.2025."
Ivaylo Danailov, the chief executive of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund, said the rules were introduced to improve safety in flights, reports Bristol Live. He said: "On the positive side, this is clearly intended to enhance passenger safety. If it encourages passengers to remain seated, reducing risks of injuries due to unexpected turbulence or abrupt aircraft movement while taxiing. That's to be welcomed and it is likely to support crew efforts to enforce safety rules more effectively.
"It may also deter passengers from engaging in disruptive or premature movement in the cabin, making disembarkation more orderly, which, in turn, may help airport operations. It also positions Turkey's aviation authority as serious about enforcing international flight safety standards and could set a precedent for other countries to implement similar measures.
Ivaylo also warned that despite Turkey's best intentions, the rules could end up rubbing passengers up the wrong way and may leave some feeling "targeted". He added: "It could lead to passenger frustration or even confusion with tourists unfamiliar with the rules, potentially feeling unfairly targeted or surprised by fines. Enforcement could be seen as overly aggressive.
"Airlines, in turn, may need to train staff to report violations, handle disputes, and manage documentation for fines. Delays or conflicts could arise during enforcement, especially on short-haul or budget flights.
"Consideration will need to be given as to how are passengers identified, warned, and fined, with a potential for disputes if fines are perceived as arbitrary or unevenly applied. If – and it's a big if – it is perceived as hostile or inconvenient, it may affect Turkey's image among some tourists, particularly in peak travel seasons."
Turkey's proposals to fine passengers are sure to grab the attention of countries keen to get a grip on their travel industries. The SkyRefund chief even suggested they may copy Turkey's plans.
"If it is successful, other countries may follow suit, especially those already dealing with unruly passenger behaviour," he said. "It could influence best practice or recommendations for post-landing safety protocols."
