are tightening, and the consequences for not following them may now hit passengers where it hurts—their wallets. A newly enforced policy aims to improve in-flight safety and discipline by penalizing travelers who disregard seatbelt warnings or stand up before the aircraft has come to a complete stop.

The change comes under the Civil Aviation Authority of Turkey’s directive titled “Passenger Announcements Circular,” officially approved on May 2, 2025. Under the updated policy, passengers who stand up, open overhead bins, or move around before the seatbelt sign is turned off will no longer receive just a verbal warning—they may now face administrative fines.

Turkish Airlines has circulated detailed instructions to cabin crews regarding the policy. According to the airline, passengers engaging in such behavior will be categorized as exhibiting “disruptive passenger behavior.” That status allows legal and administrative action to be taken under Turkish aviation regulations, especially if passengers ignore repeated announcements.

Passengers should be aware of the following behaviors that can now trigger penalties:

These rules apply to all commercial flights operating under Turkish civil aviation licenses, not just Turkish Airlines. However, the flag carrier has been among the first to implement the new protocols across its flights, both domestic and international.

To ensure that passengers follow the updated Turkish Airlines rules, cabin crews now have expanded duties. In addition to the standard post-landing farewell announcement, crew members are required to make a specific safety announcement reminding passengers to remain seated until the seatbelt sign is turned off. This additional announcement is now mandatory on all flights.

The idea is to reinforce the importance of staying seated to avoid injuries that often occur during taxiing—a period when passengers may assume it’s safe to move around, even though it isn’t. The goal is both preventative and disciplinary: to raise awareness and penalize noncompliance.

Sample Post-Landing Protocol

The official circular, labeled UOD – 2025/01, lays out the legal foundation for the policy. It applies to all commercial air transport operators licensed to carry passengers. The document explicitly mentions the aim of discouraging onboard smoking and standing up before the aircraft has reached its parked position. The language used also suggests a strong emphasis on increasing awareness and correcting disruptive behavior.

The document’s intent is not just to prevent minor annoyances but to curb safety hazards that can escalate into serious incidents. By defining such behaviors as disciplinary issues, the new Turkish Airlines rules enable authorities to act swiftly and decisively.

While the specific reason for the timing of the new enforcement hasn’t been disclosed, the aviation sector globally has seen a rise in unruly passenger behavior since air travel resumed post-pandemic. Airlines have been struggling with balancing customer service and flight safety, especially during boarding and disembarkation phases when incidents are more likely to happen.

Turkish authorities appear to be taking a zero-tolerance approach moving forward. Unlike in the past, where passengers might receive only a scolding or a note in their travel record, this regulation introduces a monetary consequence that will likely make travelers think twice.

The actual amount of the administrative fine has not been disclosed publicly, but Turkish civil aviation legislation includes financial penalties for violating aircraft rules, which can range from modest sums to several thousand Turkish lira depending on the severity of the violation.

Passengers should understand that refusing to comply even after being warned may also result in more serious consequences, including being blacklisted by the airline or facing legal proceedings in extreme cases.

If you’re planning to fly with Turkish Airlines or any Turkish-licensed airline, here are a few tips to stay on the right side of the rules:

• Do not open overhead bins before the aircraft has fully stopped
• Respect the cabin crew’s instructions at all times

With these simple actions, you can avoid fines, help maintain a safe cabin environment, and ensure a smoother experience for everyone onboard.

This move by Turkish Airlines could signal a shift in global aviation norms. As airlines worldwide seek to regain stability and maintain safety in an era of increasing air traffic, policies like this one may become more common. Other carriers may soon follow with similar enforcement strategies, especially in regions where flight delays and gate congestion heighten the risk of cabin accidents.

In the meantime, Turkish travelers and international visitors alike should prepare to comply with these updated Turkish Airlines rules—and avoid costly mistakes that could cut their journeys short.