Turkey to fine passengers for standing up too early after landing

Turkey's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has introduced a new rule imposing fines on passengers who get up from their seats before the seatbelt sign is switched off after landing and while the aircraft is taxiing to the terminal.

The CAA said the aim of the new rule is to improve passenger safety, streamline the disembarkation process, and reduce repeated announcements from the crew, which are often ignored. Passengers are now required not only to wait for the seatbelt sign to switch off, but also to wait to be invited to disembark by row number.

The new rules, based on Article 143 of Turkey's Civil Aviation Law No. 2920, are mandatory for all airlines operating flights to the country.

According to the Turkish aviation authority, airlines are required to warn passengers that seatbelts must remain fastened until the aircraft comes to a complete stop. Violations of the rule will be recorded and reported to aviation authorities for a fine to be imposed.

Passengers fall into two groups: those who get up immediately after landing, and those who wait for the sign to switch off. The former now face a fine of around $70 (€62).

Turkish Airlines has already updated its standard landing announcement to include a warning about penalties for breaking the new rule.

Public reaction is mixed: some welcome the decision, while others doubt its effectiveness.

Turkish Airlines flies to 131 countries and leads in route coverage. It remains to be seen whether other airlines and countries will follow Turkey's example.