In a move to enhance in-flight safety, Turkey's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has introduced new regulations that authorize fines for airline passengers who unbuckle their seat belts, leave their seats prematurely, or access overhead compartments before the plane has finished taxiing.
The announcement, made in May 2025, addresses a common issue where passengers often disregard safety instructions by standing too early to stretch or retrieve luggage, posing risks of injury if the aircraft makes sudden movements, and increasing the likelihood of items falling from overhead bins.
Authorities stated, "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." However, the specific penalty amounts have not been disclosed.
Turkish Airlines has yet to comment on the frequency of enforcement since the rules took effect in early May.
The regulation comes amid growing concerns worldwide over unruly passenger behavior, which can jeopardize flight safety and cause operational disruptions. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), non-compliance with crew instructions remains the most common form of disruptive conduct on flights. Additional issues include violence, harassment, verbal abuse, and other forms of unruly behavior that increase safety risks and cost airlines significantly.
Similar measures exist globally. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can impose fines up to $37,000 and pursue criminal charges against passengers who fail to follow crew directives or engage in disruptive activities. The FBI handles severe cases, particularly after a significant surge in unruly incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to disputes over mask mandates.
Safety experts emphasize the importance of adhering to seatbelt rules and remaining seated until the aircraft has fully stopped at the gate to ensure passenger safety and streamline emergency procedures.
