Turkish airlines impose fines for violating safety rules

On May 2, 2025, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Turkey (SHGM) approved a new circular introducing administrative fines for passengers who stand up before the aircraft stops completely and the seat belt signal is turned off. The measures have already entered into force, and Turkish Airlines (the country’s flagship carrier) has officially notified its flight attendants of the need to inform customers about the new rules. The sanctions also apply to persons who prematurely open luggage racks or move around the cabin contrary to the instructions of the crew.

The amount of fines and the grounds for their introduction

According to the Kommersant newspaper, malicious violators who ignore repeated warnings from flight attendants face a fine of $520 (42 thousand rubles). It is important to note that the fine is imposed not by the airline, but by representatives of law enforcement agencies and goes to the state budget.

The introduction of new rules is fixed in the official document UOD-2025/01 “Yolcu Anonsları Genelgesi” (Circular on passenger announcements). According to the circular, the measures are aimed at “warning passengers who smoke on board, as well as those who get up before the plane comes to a complete stop and turn off the seat belt signal, disrupting order.”

The Turkish Airlines representative stressed that the new measures are not just a disciplinary formality, but an important step to ensure safety. Getting up prematurely and opening baggage compartments on a moving aircraft often leads to injury.

List of important rules for air passengers

• Do not get up from your seat until the aircraft stops completely and the “Fasten seat belts” sign is turned off;
• Do not open the luggage racks until the appropriate permission from the crew;
• Do not ignore the warnings of the flight attendants;
• Follow all safety instructions throughout the flight.

The new Turkish rules correspond to the global trend of stricter safety requirements in civil aviation. A fine of $1,000 is a serious amount that will make passengers think twice before violating crew instructions.

For those traveling to and through Turkey, it is especially important to familiarize themselves with the new rules in order to avoid unpleasant situations and additional expenses during a vacation or business trip.