ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Airline passengers in Turkey now face fines for unbuckling their seat belts, accessing overhead compartments, or occupying the aisle before their airplane has fully stopped, following new regulations issued by the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation. These updated rules, effective earlier this month, aim to enhance safety and ensure a more orderly disembarkation process.
The change in regulations comes in response to increasing passenger complaints and observations from flight inspections that highlighted a growing number of safety violations occurring during taxiing after landing. It has been noted that many passengers in Turkey often stand up or move around the cabin soon after the arrival of the plane, contributing to disorderly disembarkation.
According to the new regulations, all commercial airlines operating in Turkey are mandated to issue a revised version of the standard in-flight announcement. This announcement will remind passengers to remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seat belt sign has been turned off. The aviation authority emphasizes that violations of this rule will be documented and subsequently reported.
Passengers are also instructed to wait patiently for those in front of them to exit the plane before attempting to leave themselves, thereby reducing chaos and ensuring a smoother departure from the aircraft.
While the circular outlining these new rules does not specify the exact amount of fines for noncompliance, Turkish media reports suggest that fines could reach up to $70. The aviation authority has expressed concern over the repeated violations, stating, “Despite announcements informing passengers of the rules, many are standing up before the aircraft reaches its parking positions and before the seat belt sign is turned off.”
Such behaviors not only compromise the safety of passengers and their belongings but also disregard the comfort and exit priority of fellow travelers. The enforcement of these regulations aims to mitigate such issues and enhance the overall travel experience.
There have been no immediate reports confirming whether the newly introduced fines are being rigorously enforced. Turkey, being a significant travel destination, attracts millions of tourists each year, making it essential to maintain a safe and orderly aviation experience.
In summary, the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation has implemented new regulations to curb safety violations during disembarkation. These regulations are part of a broader effort to protect passengers and streamline the exit process upon landing, responding to an evident trend of chaotic behavior among some travelers.
