Latest news with #TurkishDirectorateofCivilAviation
Gulf Today
31-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Turkey will fine passengers who unbuckle before plane stops
Passengers on flights to Turkey who unbuckle their seat belts, enter an aisle or open overhead compartments before their plane has stopped taxiing upon arrival are eligible for fines under new regulations issued by the country's civil aviation authority. Under the updated rules, commercial airlines operating flights in Turkey are required to revise their standard in-flight announcements telling passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened until the aircraft has reached a gate or other final stopping point. Airlines now need to warn that violations of the procedure will be documented and reported, according to a circular issued by the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation. The announcements also are supposed to remind passengers to let the people sitting in the rows ahead of them exit first. Turkish media reports have said rule-breakers could be fined up to $70. The civil aviation directorate did not specify the amount but said it updated the regulations following passenger complaints and flight inspections that indicated a growing number of safety violations. "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,' the directorate said. "This behavior compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travellers." Passengers who race to stand up and grab their possessions the second the seat-belt light goes off — often referred to as "aisle rushers' or worse — are the bane of many travelers. Many countries have regulations to deter unruly passengers, and most have regulations requiring people to follow instructions for when to stay buckled up. However, Turkey's threat of financial repercussions for post-landing misbehavior is unusual enough to have attracted notice. The regulations took effect earlier this month. There have been no immediate reports about people getting fined or airlines enforcing the regulations by reporting violators. Turkey is a popular travel destination that draws millions of tourists every year. The Associated Press reached out to Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines, a low-cost carrier also based in Turkey, for comment on Tuesday. In the US, Federal Aviation Administration regulations require passengers to have their seat belts "properly secured during taxiing, takeoff, landing, and any other time when instructed to by crewmembers,' the agency confirmed via email. A failure to obey safety instructions can result in a hefty civil penalty. But reports of the FAA and other aviation agencies actually fining passengers for not wearing their seat belts are rare - and, if such enforcement is taken, it's usually paired with additional "unruly' behavior. In 2021, for instance, the FAA proposed a $14,000 civil fine for an Endeavor Airlines passenger who allegedly unfastened her seat belt while the "fasten seat belt' sign was illuminated and also refused to wear a mask properly despite repeated instructions from flight attendants. Aviation agencies worldwide reported a concerning uptick in disruptive passenger behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to travelers who refused to follow mask policies. As incidents skyrocketed in 2021, the FAA implemented a "zero-tolerance policy' of issuing fines instead of giving unruly passengers warning letters or the option of remedial counseling. These days, unruly passengers can face FAA fines of up to $37,000 per incident as well as criminal prosecution, the agency said via email. Airlines, aviation regulators and safety organizations alike have long-expressed the importance of remaining seated wearing a seat belt while a plane is in motion to avoid injuries from in-flight disruptions like turbulence. After a plane lands, passengers are at risk of falling or other injuries if they stand and attempt to move while the aircraft taxis to the gate. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA - a union representing more than 55,000 flight attendants - reiterated that passengers must remain seated with their belts fastened when a plane is on an active runway and until it comes to a complete stop. She again pointed to the consequences of failing to comply under US aviation regulations. "Listen to your flight attendants and follow crewmember instructions to get to your destination safely and to avoid unnecessary delay," Nelson said in a statement. Associated Press
Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Air Passengers Threatened With Fines for Standing Up Too Soon
If you're the kind of airline passenger who jumps up the moment the wheels touch down, Turkey's aviation authority wants you to think twice-or risk a fine. A new directive targets travelers who unbuckle too early, grab for overhead bins, or clog the aisle before the aircraft has fully stopped. Prompted by a surge in complaints and safety violations, the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation now requires airlines to update in-flight announcements warning that such behavior will be monitored, recorded, and could result in penalties. Newsweek has reached out to Turkish Airlines for comment. The revised rules highlight a growing global effort to curb disorderly in-flight behavior, especially during taxiing-one of the most dangerous phases of any flight. Turkish authorities said the updated policy aims to promote safety and ensure smoother disembarkation by curbing what has become a widespread issue. Passengers who unbuckle, stand, or begin retrieving their luggage before the aircraft has come to a full stop on the tarmac could be fined up to $70, according to Turkish media. Though the aviation authority has not confirmed the exact amount, it said the new penalties are intended to deter growing noncompliance. Airlines flying in and out of Turkey are required to update their standard announcements. The new script must inform passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened until the plane reaches its final stop and explicitly state that violations will be reported. In the U.S., similar rules apply. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that passengers must have their seat belts "properly secured during taxiing, takeoff, landing, and any other time when instructed to by crewmembers." While civil penalties are possible, actual fines for seat belt violations are rare and typically imposed alongside other "unruly" behavior. Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation: "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. This behavior compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travelers." Sara Nelson, President, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA: "Listen to your flight attendants and follow crewmember instructions to get to your destination safely and to avoid unnecessary delay." The timeline for enforcement remains unclear, but Turkish authorities have ordered airlines to implement the new announcement guidelines immediately. The fines are part of a broader effort to make landings safer, calmer, and more respectful for everyone on board. This article includes reporting by The Associated Press. Related Articles NATO Ally Gains Ground With Stealth Jet Rivaling Clubs Offering First-Class Service, Food and ViewsTurkey's Erdogan Has Become One of World's Most Powerful Men-And Trump AllyNATO Issues Warning About Defense Spending Amid Threats from Russia, China 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
29-05-2025
- Newsweek
Air Passengers Threatened With Fines for Standing Up Too Soon
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. If you're the kind of airline passenger who jumps up the moment the wheels touch down, Turkey's aviation authority wants you to think twice—or risk a fine. A new directive targets travelers who unbuckle too early, grab for overhead bins, or clog the aisle before the aircraft has fully stopped. Prompted by a surge in complaints and safety violations, the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation now requires airlines to update in-flight announcements warning that such behavior will be monitored, recorded, and could result in penalties. Newsweek has reached out to Turkish Airlines for comment. Why It Matters The revised rules highlight a growing global effort to curb disorderly in-flight behavior, especially during taxiing—one of the most dangerous phases of any flight. Turkish authorities said the updated policy aims to promote safety and ensure smoother disembarkation by curbing what has become a widespread issue. A Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-941 comes in to land at Heathrow Airport in west London on April 29, 2024. A Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-941 comes in to land at Heathrow Airport in west London on April 29, To Know Passengers who unbuckle, stand, or begin retrieving their luggage before the aircraft has come to a full stop on the tarmac could be fined up to $70, according to Turkish media. Though the aviation authority has not confirmed the exact amount, it said the new penalties are intended to deter growing noncompliance. Airlines flying in and out of Turkey are required to update their standard announcements. The new script must inform passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened until the plane reaches its final stop and explicitly state that violations will be reported. FAA Rules In the U.S., similar rules apply. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that passengers must have their seat belts "properly secured during taxiing, takeoff, landing, and any other time when instructed to by crewmembers." While civil penalties are possible, actual fines for seat belt violations are rare and typically imposed alongside other "unruly" behavior. A Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-941 comes in to land at Heathrow Airport in west London on April 29, 2024. A Turkish Airlines Airbus A350-941 comes in to land at Heathrow Airport in west London on April 29, People Are Saying Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation: "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. This behavior compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travelers." Sara Nelson, President, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA: "Listen to your flight attendants and follow crewmember instructions to get to your destination safely and to avoid unnecessary delay." What Happens Next The timeline for enforcement remains unclear, but Turkish authorities have ordered airlines to implement the new announcement guidelines immediately. The fines are part of a broader effort to make landings safer, calmer, and more respectful for everyone on board. This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.
News18
29-05-2025
- News18
Turkey To Penalise Flyers Who Unbuckle Seat Belts Before Plane Stops, Check Rule
Last Updated: The circular does not say how much passengers who disregard the regulations could be fined, but Turkish media reports have said fines of up to $70 will be imposed. Airline passengers in Turkey who unbuckle their seat belts, access overhead compartments, or occupy the aisle before their plane has fully stopped now face fines under new regulations issued by the country's civil aviation authority. The updated rules, which aim to enhance safety and ensure a more orderly disembarkation, came into effect earlier this month. They were adopted following passenger complaints and flight inspections indicated a growing number of safety violations during taxiing after landing, according to the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation. It is not unusual in Turkey for passengers to stand up or move inside the cabin soon after the plane has landed, often leading to chaotic disembarkation. Under the new regulations, commercial airlines operating flights in Turkey are required to issue a revised version of the standard in-flight announcement to remain seated, warning that violations will be documented and reported, according to a circular issued by the aviation authority. Passengers are also reminded to wait for those in front of them to exit first instead of rushing forward. The circular does not say how much passengers who disregard the regulations could be fined, but Turkish media reports have said fines of up to $70 will be imposed. '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," the aviation authority noted. 'This behavior compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travelers," it said. There have been no immediate reports confirming that the newly introduced fines are being enforced. Turkey is a popular travel destination, drawing millions of tourists every year. First Published: May 28, 2025, 15:23 IST
Glasgow Times
28-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Air passengers who unbuckle seatbelts before plane stops face fines in Turkey
The updated rules issued by the country's civil aviation authority are aimed at enhancing safety and ensuring a more orderly disembarkation, and came into effect earlier this month. They were adopted following passenger complaints and flight inspections indicated a growing number of safety violations during taxiing after landing, according to the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation. It is not unusual in Turkey for passengers to stand up or move inside the cabin soon after the plane has landed, often leading to chaotic disembarkation. Under the new regulations, commercial airlines operating flights in Turkey are required to issue a revised version of the standard in-flight announcement to remain seated, warning that violations will be documented and reported, according to a circular issued by the aviation authority. Passengers are also reminded to wait for those in front of them to exit first instead of rushing forward. The circular does not say how much passengers who disregard the regulations could be fined, but Turkish media reports have said fines of roughly £50 will be imposed. '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,' the aviation authority noted. 'This behaviour compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travellers,' it said. There have been no immediate reports confirming that the newly introduced fines are being enforced. Turkey is a popular travel destination, drawing millions of tourists every year.
