Tourists heading to Turkey this summer may want to think twice before unbuckling too soon. Under new regulations announced by Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), passengers who stand up before the aircraft has come to a complete stop could face fines of up to £52 (about 2,600 baht or 2,603 Turkish lira).
According to Travel and Tour World, the rule is part of an effort to ensure a safer and more organized disembarkation process. Passengers must now remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the plane reaches its parking position and the seatbelt sign is turned off. If they ignore the instructions, they may be reported and fined by airport authorities.
It’s a move that targets one of the most common annoyances in air travel — the rush of passengers jumping out of their seats and clogging the aisles as soon as the plane touches down. While it might seem harmless, aviation safety experts warn that premature standing during taxiing can lead to injuries from falling bags, sudden stops, or crowding near exits.
Turkish Airlines will fine passengers who stand up before the plane comes to a complete stop Photo Courtesy Yoruk Isik:Reuters
Many travelers have expressed support for stricter enforcement of post-landing rules, especially frequent flyers who’ve experienced chaotic deplaning. On travel forums and social media, passengers often share frustration with what’s jokingly called “aisle lice” — those who scramble to grab overhead luggage before the plane has even parked.
Still, it’s not clear how strictly the new fines will be enforced or whether all airlines will consistently report violations. The DGCA has not detailed how passengers will be identified or how the penalty process will work in real-time.
The timing of the regulation coincides with a surge in post-pandemic travel and increasing pressure on airlines to maintain efficiency and safety amid high passenger volumes. Similar calls for better in-flight behavior have emerged across other countries as well.
As Turkey braces for a busy tourist season, the new rule may be a signal to travelers everywhere: stay buckled, stay patient — or pay the price.
